Older Adults Demonstrate Gains With Oral Function Exercises

Simple oral exercise and chewing gum exercise improved oral function in older adults, according to a study published online in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. 

“As general and oral health are closely interrelated,” researchers wrote, “promoting oral health may extend a healthy life expectancy.”

The study involved 96 adults older than 65. Participants were assigned to one of three interventions for 8 weeks: (1) simple oral exercise to improve mastication, salivation, and swallowing function; (2) chewing gum exercise that also included simple oral exercise; or (3) no exercise. 

Compared with baseline, average scores on the Mixing Ability Index increased significantly in participants assigned simple oral exercise and chewing gum exercise by the intervention’s end, the study found. Participants assigned the chewing gum exercise showed the largest gains, with Mixing Ability Index score increases 4 times higher than increases in the control group.  

Occlusal force increased an average 56 N in participants assigned simple oral exercise and 60 N in those assigned chewing gum exercise, researchers reported. Salivation increased 3.6-fold in the group assigned simple oral exercise and 2.2-fold in the group assigned chewing gum exercise. 

As oral function improved, participants reported less discomfort, according to the study. Some 27% of older adults assigned simple oral exercise and 18% assigned chewing gum exercise were re-categorized as having good swallowing function at the study’s end. 

“These findings may facilitate the development of clinical practice guidelines for optimal oral care in older adults,” researchers wrote.

—Jolynn Tumolo

Reference:

Kim HJ, Lee JY, Lee ES, et al. Simple oral exercise with chewing gum for improving oral function in older adults [published online ahead of print, 2020 May 31]. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2020;10.1007/s40520-020-01606-z. doi:10.1007/s40520-020-01606-z