This study evaluated the effects of an oral health care program on oral hygiene and oral function in older adults with dementia attending a day care center. Participants received a structured oral health care intervention, and changes in oral hygiene and oral function were assessed over a 4-week follow-up period. The goal of this study was to explore whether a structured oral health care program could help improve oral health outcomes in older adults with dementia in a day care setting.
This study employed a quasi-experimental design to examine the effects of an oral health care program on oral hygiene and oral function among older adults with dementia attending a day care center. Participants received a structured oral health care intervention designed to promote oral hygiene practices and oral functional ability. Outcome measures related to oral hygiene and oral function were assessed at baseline and at 4 weeks after the intervention. This study aimed to provide evidence on the effectiveness of an oral health care program for improving oral health outcomes in older adults with dementia in a day care setting.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
64
A structured oral health care program designed to improve oral hygiene and oral function among older adults with dementia attending a day care center. The program included guided oral exercises and daily oral hygiene practices delivered over a 4-week period.
Mennonite Christian Hospital Shoufeng Branch Day Care Center
Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan
Oral hygiene
Oral hygiene was assessed using the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) as the primary outcome measure. OHAT is a validated composite scale with a total score ranging from 0 to 16, with higher total scores indicating poorer oral health status.
Time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks after intervention
Oral function
Oral function was assessed using standardized functional assessments to evaluate changes in oral motor and swallowing function following the oral care intervention. Higher scores or values indicate better oral or swallowing function.
Time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks after intervention
Plaque index
Dental plaque accumulation was assessed using the Plaque Index, which evaluates the thickness of dental plaque at the gingival area. Scores range from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating greater plaque accumulation and poorer oral hygiene.
Time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks after intervention
Tongue coating index
Tongue coating was assessed using the Tongue Coating Index, with scores ranging from 0 to 2. A lower score indicates less tongue coating and better oral hygiene.
Time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks after intervention.
Puff cheeks
The ability to puff the cheeks was assessed using a functional scoring scale ranging from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates inability to puff the cheeks, 3 indicates barely able to puff the cheeks, and 5 indicates the ability to puff both cheeks. Higher scores indicate better oral function.
Time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks after intervention.
Choke
Swallowing ability was assessed using a choking frequency scale ranging from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates tube feeding, 1 indicates frequent choking, 3 indicates occasional choking, and 5 indicates almost no choking. Higher scores indicate better swallowing function.
Time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks after intervention.
Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST)
Have the subject sit. The examiner gently places their fingertip on the subject's Adam's apple or hyoid bone and instructs the subject to swallow saliva. The examiner can feel the Adam's apple rise and then return to its original position. If the subject experiences dry mouth, about 1 cc of water can be given. Observe this action for 30 seconds and record the number of swallows obtained through palpation.The Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST) was used to assess swallowing function by counting the number of saliva swallows within 30 seconds. Higher values indicate better swallowing ability.
Time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks after intervention.
Oral DDK rate(times/10')
Oral diadochokinetic (DDK) rate was assessed by counting the number of syllable repetitions produced within 10 seconds. Higher values indicate better oral motor function.
Time frame: From baseline to 4 weeks after intervention.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.