A narrative review on the use of lip trainer (Patakara) in oral rehabilitation

Abstract

The spent time on body exercising is usually given more interest than the exercise of lips, especially after the wide evidence-based demonstrated effects of strong lips on the general health and hence the quality of life. Oral rehabilitation leads to a powerful closure of the lip that can be the first-line defensive mechanism against the many oral dysfunctions as halitosis, snoring, mouth breathing and dryness, and dysfunctions of the oro-gastrointestinal system. The strong lip seal or closure gained from the continuous use of lip muscle trainer (Patakara) not only limits the deteriorated normal physiological oral functions that are associated with the ageing process but also can be considered a good oral rehabilitation device to many oral dysfunctions such as halitosis, snoring, mouth breathing and dryness, and dysfunctions of the oro-gastrointestinal system. Incorporating the use of lip muscle trainer in traditional physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs — especially for geriatrics — is a fundamental part of the whole treatment plan. Physiotherapists must direct their attention toward Patakara utilization in future oral rehabilitation studies to augment and affirm more benefits for this hopeful device. Advising the family relative or caregivers to encourage the elderly to use the lip muscle trainer for maintaining a strong lip is very important.