Effects on Quality of Life and Oral Health of the Elderly in an Oral Health Promotion Program

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This research has executed a new oral health promotion program which purpose was to verify its effectiveness of oral health promotion through the improvement of their oral function. Methods/Statistical analysis: The research has selected the elderly over the age of 65, capable of communication and self toothbrushing, who use a longterm care. The Oral Health Score(OHC) was calculated by aggregating the oral hygiene score (dental plaque score) and oral function score (oral moisture score, orbicularis muscle strength score, occlusal force score, and deglutition capability score) which sums up to 15 points as its full marks. Findings: we reported that the oral hygiene score of experimental group increased 2.15±0.58 from 1.40±0.75 after the execution of the program, showing a statistically significant difference (p.05). The oral function score of the experimental group also showed a statistically significant difference after the execution of the program, where the oral function score of experimental group increased 6.70±1.30 from 4.95±0.89 after the execution of the program (p.05). The OHC of the experimental group showed a statistically significant difference of 8.85±1.42 from 6.35±1.04 after the execution of the program (p.05). Improvements: Not only the oral health promotion program can improve and sustain the oral health through the improvement of their oral function but also can affect their general health.