2021, Vol.21, No.1

Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.8

pISSN : 2287-1705 / eISSN : 2288-2294
https://journal.kci.go.kr/jksdh

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of an oral exercise program including whole-body exercises on oral function in older people. Methods: The participants (aged ≥65 years) were divided into three groups: intervention group I (only oral exercise), intervention group Ⅱ (oral exercise with whole-body exercises), and control group (no intervention). The oral health status, saliva flow rate, and oral muscle strength were evaluated. Analyses were performed to compare the three groups and identify the changes in the aforementioned parameters before and after the program. Results: The saliva flow rate significantly increased in intervention groups Ⅰand Ⅱ after the program. Oral muscle strength evaluation using the Iow a oral performance instrument showed that the anterior tongue strength increased significantly in intervention group I; the posterior tongue strength and cheek strength also increased but not significantly. The anterior tongue, posterior tongue, and cheek strengths significantly increased in intervention group Ⅱ. Conclusions: The oral exercise program including whole-body exercises showed positive effects on the saliva flow rate and oral strength. No significant differences were observed in the quality of life related to oral health.

Objectives: Interdental toothbrushes are made and sold in various design types and brush thicknesses. However, there is little research on which type of interdental toothbrush currently manufactured and sold on the market is the most effective in eliminating interdental plaque. Therefore, this study aims at comparing the elimination rate of artificial dental plaque between reciprocating- and rotating-types of interdental toothbrush based on the frequency of application and thickness of brush. Methods: This study focused on the effective management of dental plaque using interdental toothbrush, a recommended item for personal dental hygiene. The method was as follows: artificial dental plaque coloring was applied to the distal surface of artificial tooth #46 and the mesial surface of #47. The area was subject to reciprocal movement three and six times to eliminate artificial plaque. Results: The results showed that using a 0.7mm rotating interdental toothbrush, on the proximal surface of each molar, the elimination rates were: on the distal surface of #46, upon three applications 40.24%, upon six applications 30.41%; on the mesial surface of #47, upon three applications 44.52%, upon six applications 29.72%. Conclusions: These results showed that for rotating-type interdental toothbrushes, a high dental plaque elimination rate was observed even though many reciprocal movements were not performed.

Objectives: This study investigated the working conditions of dental hygienists and their challenges in providing oral care to older adults with dementia using focus group interviews. Methods: We collected data for approximately a month beginning from August 2020 and divided the study subjects into two groups: the health dental hygienist and the clinical dental hygienist groups. A total of 11 subjects participated in this study. Results: The oral health management of older adult patients with dementia has not been efficiently carried out in local communities or dental medical institutions. In addition, dental hygienists encounter difficulties in managing the oral health of these patients and hope to actively learn more about their special cases. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it is necessary to develop a manual or program for the professional implementation of oral health interventions for older adults with dementia.