Effect of an oral myofunctional exercise program on improving oral myofunction in older adults

Ji-Ae Nam; Ae-Jin Jeong; Jung-Hwa Lee

doi:10.13065/jksdh.2025.25.4.2

Effect of an oral myofunctional exercise program on improving oral myofunction in older adults

Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
Abbr : J Korean Soc Dent Hyg
2025, 25(4), pp.285~296
DOI : 10.13065/jksdh.2025.25.4.2
Publisher : Korean Society of Dental Hygiene
Research Area : Medicine and Pharmacy > Dentistry
Received : April 30, 2025
Accepted : July 31, 2025
Published : August 30, 2025

Ji-Ae Nam ¹, Ae-Jin Jeong ², Jung-Hwa Lee ³

¹Department of Dental Hygiene, Taegu Science University
²Department of Dental Hygiene, Choonhae College of Health Science
³Department of Dental Hygiene, Dong-eui University

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim of this was to evaluate the effects of an oral myofunctional exercise program on improving oral function in older adults who use welfare tubes. Methods: We recruited 37 older adults who had used the Gyeongbuk Community Welfare Center for approximately four months between June and October 2022. The control group completed a questionnaire and an objective oral myofunction assessment, whereas the experimental group participated in an oral myofunction exercise program. The program was conducted twice weekly for 8 weeks at a community center. Objective oral health assessments were performed in both groups before, during, and after, 4 and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention period. Results: As a result of the oral myofunctional exercise program, a comparison of the subjects bite force (p=0.008), tongue pressure (p=0.003), maximum mouth opening (p<0.001), and alternating Diadochokinesis (DDK) (p<0.001) showed that the experimental group had greater improvements than the control group. Conclusions: Based on these findings, oral myofunctional exercise-such as chewing silicone straws and playing harmonica-should be incorporated into the existing oral health programs in public health centers and welfare facilities for older adults.

KEYWORDS

Masticatory function, Myofunctional therapy, Older adults, Oral function

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