Abstract
Purpose : We studied the effect of the exercise on improving oral function in elderly day-care center users. This is a baseline study on oral status, hygiene, and function. Methods : Participants were 34 day-care center users (average age : 79.7 (±8.9) years old) able to brush their own teeth. We examined number of teeth, denture wearing, oral disease, oral hygiene, and oral function. Result : They averaged 10.9 (±9.8) teeth. Some 80% wore dentures. Some 45% were diagnosed as in need of dental treatment, including denture adjustment. Oral cleaning status was related to that of denture cleaning, frequency of daily oral cleaning, the number of candida spp in saliva, and lip-closure ability. Although tooth number was related to biting force, the elderly having 1 to 19 teeth were more in need of dental treatment than those without any teeth. The tooth number was also related to the ADL score. Conclusions : To maintain oral health among elderly day-care center users, they should be instructed in oral cleaning and exercises to improve oral function, and regular dental treatment should be arranged for them.
