Oral Exercises Research Articles

Impact of frenectomy on the oral exercise in patients with ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnea: double-blind randomized controlled clinical trials.

This study compares the efficacy of oral exercise alone to oral exercise with frenectomy in improving obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in patients with ankyloglossia. A prospective, controlled, double-blind clinical study enrolled fifteen adults (20-60 years) newly diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA and ankyloglossia. Participants were randomly assigned to either oral exercise alone (control group; n = 8) or oral exercise with frenectomy (intervention group; n = 7). Outcomes were assessed after a 3-month therapy period using polysomnography, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), tongue strength (measured in kPa), and QOL questionnaires. Both control (-2.88 ± 1.73; p = 0.02) and intervention (-4.00 ± 3.65; p = 0.03) groups showed a significant reduction in ESS scores, indicating both improved sleepiness. Although the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) increased in both groups after treatment, these changes were not statistically significant (control 4.73 ± 15.55; p = 0.48, intervention 10.42 ± 14.66; p = 0.12). Tongue strength significantly increased in both groups: control group (p = 0.04) and intervention group (p = 0.03). Satisfaction rates with the overall treatment process were 100% in the control group and 57.1% in the intervention group. Furthermore, 75.0% and 57.1% of participants in the respective groups reported an improvement in QOL. Frenectomy improved tongue mobility and the ability to perform oral exercises in individuals with OSA and ankyloglossia. However, these exercises did not significantly improve OSA-related symptoms or QOL. While frenectomy enhances tongue mobility, thereby enabling better engagement in oral exercises. These exercises alone did not significantly improve OSA-related symptoms or QOL. This suggests that oral exercises focusing solely on tongue mobility may not be sufficient for managing OSA. The Thai Clinical Trials Registry was TCTR20220429002.

Effects of various oral exercises on swallowing function in the elderly: A systematic review

Oral exercises as a rehabilitation strategy can be performed by the elderly at any time and place without any complications or financial burden. Therefore, an oral exercise that is easy to perform and follow in daily life, can effectively improve the oral health of the elderly. This systematic review was conducted to investigate the effect of oral exercises on swallowing function in the elderly. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted on international electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, as well as on Iranian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database from the earliest to April 1, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of randomized control trials and quasi-experimental studies. A total of 728 elderly people participated in fourteen studies. Based on the results of the present systematic review, ten interventions including “lingual resistance exercise with Iowa oral performance instrument”, “exercise for swallowing”, “oral exercise”, “expiratory muscle strength training”, “swallow resistance exercise”, “swallowing exercises”, “oral neuromuscular training”, “simple oral exercise (SOE)”, “tongue strengthening exercise”, “SOE and chewing gum exercise with SOE” improved swallowing function in the elderly. However, the other four interventions including “swallowing exercises”, “resistance training”, “effortful swallowing exercise”, and “oral exercises” did not affect improving swallowing function in the elderly. Health managers and policymakers can improve the swallowing performance of the elderly by implementing training protocols related to oral exercise in addition to routine interventions.

Human-AI collaboration improves adults’ oral biomechanical functions: A multi-centre, self-controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesMaintenance of oral muscle functions is important for survival and communication. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a self-health-management material has shown promise. Here we developed a functional and AI-enabled smartphone e-Oral APP that provided real-time feedback features to let humans collaborate with AI, targeting to improve oral biomechanical and speech functions of adults. MethodsA total of 113 neurologically healthy Hong Kong citizens over 50 years old were recruited in this study from June to October 2022. A set of 12 exercises of the tongue, lips, and jaw were conducted with guidance provided in the self-developed e-Oral APP, in which visual-audio demonstrations and immediate feedback on facial movements by an open-source AI-pretrained 68-point Ensemble of Regression Tree (ERT) face landmark detector was given to the users. After 8-week exercises, assessments after 1-week and 4-week post-training were conducted. Primary outcomes were measured on oral functions, including occlusal force, masticatory efficiency, tongue strength, along with dry mouth condition, and oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL), while secondary outcomes were comprised of oral diadochokinesis (DDK) and swallowing ability. The usability of the APP was evaluated by a self-written questionnaire. ResultsAfter exercising a set of 12 exercises on the tongue, lips, and jaw for 8 weeks, 70 out of 113 participants (average age of 67.70±4.93 y.o., 52 female and 18 male) had a significant improvement in the occlusal force (p < 0.001), while masticatory efficiency (p = 0.002), tongue pressure (p < 0.001) and endurance (p = 0.004) were also improved. 80.3 % of respondents rated the APP with an overall rating of 3 out of 5 points, and 68.6 % would recommend the APP to others. ConclusionsAI-based APP can be an effective approach to help healthy adults improve their occlusal force, masticatory efficiency, tongue functions, and oral diadochokinesis after 8-week home oral exercises. Furthermore, these improvements can be sustained for at least four weeks. Clinical significanceThis is the first AI-assisted APP developed for oral muscle training. Our findings demonstrated that a self-administrated human-AI collaboration APP can improve clinically oral muscle biomechanics and functions for healthy adults. AI technology in smartphone gadgets provides a cost-effective, convenient, and reliable means for oral muscles training for adults.

Experience in Team Multidisciplinary Training of an Ambulance Station Using a Physical Model of the City

The most difficult part of training young professionals is the skills of decision-making, communication, and role allocation. To develop these skills, Kursk State Medical University conducts business games simulating the operation of an ambulance and disaster medicine station. Starting with oral exercises and board games, the authors aim to diversify the mechanics of the game and increase engagement. The result was a model of an entire region with a city, villages, enterprises and natural areas, where participants physically move by special transport and fully provide the entire pre-hospital stage in normal and emergency conditions.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Computer-Assisted Microvascular Mandibular Reconstruction: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Virtual surgical planning has become a well-established practice in head and neck surgery. In oncological surgery, it permits the achievement of safe margins resections and ensures functional reconstructions and optimal esthetic outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes after virtually planned mandibular microvascular reconstruction, focusing on functional and esthetic results, as well as health-related quality of life. Methods: A long-term retrospective evaluation of 17 patients with oral cavity malignancy who underwent computer-assisted mandibular resection and reconstruction was performed. Functional and esthetic outcomes were analyzed using the EORTC, QLQ-C30, H&N35, and FACE-Q questionnaires. Results: Time since reconstruction ranged from 7 to 14 years. Patients reported high functional levels on the QLQ-C30 functional scales but lower scores on H&N35. On FACE-Q, patients demonstrated higher appraisal and satisfaction with their smiles compared to their overall facial appearance. Conclusions: In this retrospective case series, patients undergoing computer-assisted mandibular reconstruction for oral malignancies achieved good long-term functional and esthetic outcomes. Although limited by the small sample size, these results support the enduring benefits of virtual planning for mandibular reconstruction. To minimize declines in function and appearance, considerations should include immediate dental implants, enhanced reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint, newer methods of radiotherapy to minimize xerostomia, and oral exercises to prevent trismus.

Effects of Oral Exercise Towards Salivary Flow Rate In Elderly: An Interventional Study

Elderly population is increasing globally. The percentage of elderly people in Indonesia reached 9.60 percent. The Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has the highest number of elderly people, which is 14.02. One of the oral health problems of elderly is dry mouth. Saliva is an important aspect needed to maintain oral health. Reduced saliva can cause various diseases. Simple and effective interventions are needed to improve salivary conditions in the elderly, namely oral health promotion by doing oral exercises which considered to maintain and improve oral function which is an important factor of quality of life. This research to determine the effect of a health promotion program with an intervention of oral exercise on salivary flow rate in the elderly at nine PKU Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah clinics with audiovisual media accompanied by leaflet media. This study was conducted at PKU Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Pratama clinics in Yogyakarta. There are Berbah, Pakem, Firdaus, Cangkringan, Moyudan, Srandakan, Bambanglipuro, Wates and Sewugalur with 198 prolanis participants with total sampling. The research design is a quasi experimental nonequivalent control group design, with an intervention group and a control group, both groups are given before and after the intervention, , using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann Whitney U test analysis. Oral exercise intervention with audiovisual media and leaflet can increase salivary flow rates in the elderly

Effects of personalized oral exercises on swallowing function among patients with oral cancer after free flap transplantation: a cluster randomized controlled trial

Dysphagia is a common complication in patients with oral cancer who have undergone free flap transplantation. The aim of this cluster randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of personalized oral exercises on swallowing function in this group of patients. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 34) or control (n = 34) group. Intervention group patients received personalized oral exercises starting on day 6 after surgery. Swallowing function was evaluated on days 6 and 15, and at 1 month postoperative using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability–Oral Cancer tool (MASA-OC). On day 15 and at 1 month after surgery, the total MASA-OC score (P = 0.003, P < 0.001) and the mouth opening (P = 0.001, P < 0.001) and lip seal (both P < 0.001) item scores showed a significantly greater improvement in the intervention group than in the control group. Moreover, the changes in salivation (P < 0.001) and tongue movement (P = 0.025) scores at 1 month after surgery were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in the change in tongue strength scores on day 15 or at 1 month postoperative (P = 0.476, P = 0.223). Personalized oral exercises can improve swallowing function in patients with oral cancer after free flap transplantation.

AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION USING KAHOOT GAME IN VOCABULARY LEARNING PROCESS

In general, teaching and learning activities are mostly supported by books, the presentation of the materials by the teacher, and written or oral exercises. This type of learning method is monotonous. With technological developments and the internet as an educator, it is reasonable to utilize technology-based online learning applications, such as Kahoot. This research aims to find out the students' perceptions using Kahoot game in the vocabulary learning process. The participants of this research are XI Bahasa class students at MAN 1 BONE who have experienced using Kahoot. This qualitative research used questionnaire, interview, and documentation as instruments, purposive sampling technique was used to select participants to get data through interview. The results showed that Kahoot provides many positive impacts on students' learning. It was found that students perceive Kahoot as an online learning platform that increases interest, improves their vocabulary knowledge, and increases their motivation and enthusiasm which leads to active learning through flexible learning process. In addition, this research found difficulties that students experienced when using Kahoot, such as poor internet connection.

Masticatory dysfunction in older adults: A scoping review.

Masticatory dysfunction impacts food selection, nutritional intake and social activities; all of which play a vital role to ensure good general health and quality of life. Despite the rapidly ageing population, there is limited evidence regarding the risk factors that lead to masticatory dysfunction in older adults or protective factors which may help maintain masticatory ability. Furthermore, there is currently no consensus for a specific test which measures masticatory ability. The objectives of this scoping review are to identify the risk and protective factors associated with masticatory dysfunction and determine the most commonly used objective measure of masticatory performance. A scoping review was performed using the PRISMA recommendations. MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched. Seventy-eight articles were included in this review. There were six randomised controlled trials, six interventional studies, one systematic review, one quasi-experimental study, five prospective cohort studies, 58 cross-sectional studies and one case-control study. Data were analysed for frequency of studies reporting on risk factors, protective factors and/or objective measures of masticatory performance. This scoping review identified tooth loss as the most common risk factor for masticatory dysfunction. Other notable risk factors included musculoskeletal conditions such as frailty and sarcopenia, cognitive decline and malnutrition. Additionally, the review identified that the presence or addition of teeth was the main protective factor. Other protective factors included denture maintenance via liners and adhesives, textured foods, and oral exercises. Chewing gum was the most common objective measure of masticatory function, followed by the occlusal force and sieve methods. This scoping review found that there was limited evidence for a causal link between each of the risk factors and masticatory dysfunction or the protective factors and the maintenance of masticatory ability in older adults. Establishing a standard method for measuring masticatory performance such as the commonly used chewing gum method and encouraging clinicians to routinely measure masticatory function will enable comparisons across multiple risk and protective factors, improving the evidence base and contributing to better patient care.

Effects of tongue strength training program combined with oral exercises on swallowing disorder, swallowing ability, and tongue pressure in the elderly

Effects of tongue strength training program combined with oral exercises on swallowing disorder, swallowing ability, and tongue pressure in the elderly

Oral Exercises to Strengthen Mastication

Oral Exercises to Strengthen Mastication

Remote Aptitude Testing for Conference Interpreting in Europe During and After the Pandemic

There is general agreement that adequate entrance selection to conference interpreting courses is key to ensuring successful outcomes, as well as to guaranteeing a wise use of limited resources and satisfactory class dynamics. Indeed, entrance selection is one of the key quality assessment criteria for membership to the European Masters in Conference Interpreting (EMCI). Conference interpreter training programmes (CITPs) in Europe use a range of written and oral exercises to identify suitable candidates at entrance. The core test procedure is usually a series of “gist” or recall exercises, in which candidates are required to re-express in another language the ideas conveyed in a short presentation. Prior to 2020 these exercises were for the most part held with a panel of assessors and the candidates in an interview room at the host university. The COVID-19-related restrictions introduced in Europe since March 2020 in effect led to an enforced experiment with a new mode of test delivery, as stringent travel and meeting restrictions forced many programmes to switch to remote selection. This was initially seen as an unfortunate temporary expedient, but we would suggest that it might be an opportunity to take a fresh look at aptitude testing procedures. Despite the lifting of restrictions, a number of programmes continue to conduct their entrance tests in remote mode. It would be premature at this stage to draw conclusions about student outcomes, but it is worth considering trainer, student, and course coordinators’ perceptions of and experience with the new procedures. The article focuses on the CITPs in the EMCI, a consortium of 15 members at time of the outbreak of the pandemic. The data examined have been collected through a series of questionnaires and interviews. Student questionnaires have been collected mainly from the two Paris-based programmes, ISIT and ESIT; panellist questionnaires and interviews from ISIT, ESIT and Herzen in St Petersburg. 15 course coordinators in the EMCI have been consulted and 11 interviewed. The viewpoints of each of these three groups differ. The likely reasons for these differences are presented and discussed. The views and experience compiled and analysed are intended to feed into a broader discussion about aptitude testing.

Effects of an integrated supportive program on xerostomia and saliva characteristics in patients with head and neck cancer radiated with a low dose to the major salivary glands: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundXerostomia and changes in saliva characteristics are common side-effects in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiotherapy, which negatively impact their oral health. However, there are no consensus standards for intervention to manage these problems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an integrated supportive program on xerostomia and saliva characteristics at a 1-year follow-up of patients with HNC radiated with a low dose to the major salivary glands.MethodsThe CONSORT guidelines for a randomized controlled trial were used. Participants with a low overall dose to major salivary glands were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 47) or a control group (n = 45). The intervention group received usual care and an integrated supportive program, which included three steps: face-to-face education; face-to-face coaching at 1 month post-radiotherapy; and four telephone coaching sessions at 2, 3, 6, and 9 months post-radiotherapy. The face-to-face education consisted of oral hygiene instruction, oral self-care strategies, facial and tongue muscle exercises, and salivary gland massage. Adherence to the intervention was evaluated using a questionnaire completed during the 9 months follow-up. The control group received usual care. The unstimulated saliva flow rate and xerostomia were assessed in both groups.ResultsA total of 79 participants (40 in the intervention group and 39 in the control group) completed the 12 months follow-up. The intervention group achieved significantly greater relief from xerostomia than the control group after 3 months (intervention group: 35.1 ± 5.9 versus control group: 38.0 ± 5.9, P = 0.027) and 12 months follow-up (intervention group: 18.5 ± 4.1 versus control group: 22.8 ± 4.3, P < 0.001). A higher unstimulated saliva flow rate was observed in the intervention group than the control group at 12 months follow-up (intervention group: 0.16 ± 0.08 versus control group: 0.12 ± 0.07, P = 0.035). Adherence to the intervention was generally good.ConclusionThis integrated supportive program with good adherence relieved xerostomia and had a positive effect on unstimulated saliva flow rate among patients with HNC radiated with a low dose to the major salivary glands during the 12 months of follow-up.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100051876 (08/10/2021), retrospectively registered.

Oral exercises significantly improve oral functions in people with mild and moderate dementia: A randomised controlled study.

There have been no standard protocols of oral exercises for maintaining and improving oral function for people with dementia. This study aimed to determine the effects of home-based oral exercises on the oral function of people with mild to moderate dementia. Twenty-two participants at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were randomly assigned to the exercise group (n=11) or control group (n=11). The exercise group was instructed to do three home-based oral exercises, consisting of tongue-strengthening, oral diadochokinesis (ODK) and mouth-opening exercises, for 3months, while the control group received advice on oral health care. The maximum tongue pressure (MTP) was the primary outcome. MTP, ODK rates of /pa/, /ta/, /ka/, modified water swallowing test (MWST) and oral moisture were measured at baseline, and after 1, 2 and 3months of training. The generalised estimating equation analysis was used to evaluate the effects of oral exercises on the oral function. The MTP and all ODK rates in the exercise group were significantly increased after 3months of training. There were significant interaction effects between time and intervention in MTP and all ODK rates. No significant interaction effects between time and intervention in oral moisture were found. The MWST scores in both groups did not change through the end of study, and no adverse effects were reported. Home-based oral exercises were found to be effective for improving tongue strength and tongue-lip motor function in people with mild to moderate dementia.

789 Role of Speech Therapy (SLP) in the rehabilitation of a complicated case of glossoparesis (GP)

IntroductionGlossoparesis is defined as a neurodegenerative process resulting in progressive dysphagia and dysarthria. The deinervation of the tongue and related structures results in flaccid muscle function unilaterally and bilaterally, this process is difficult to treat and rehabilitate and prognosis is considered poor. We encountered this in a patient that had a complicated case of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) that arose from an abscessed tooth.The purpose of this case report is to summarize the overall approach to a rehabilitation plan which resulted in successful return to speech and partial swallow.MethodsThe patient was diagnosed with an abscessed tooth which resulted in Necrotizing fasciitis of the face, neck and chest. Multiple surgical interventions resulted in removal of necrotic tissue and reconstructive interventions were implemented. Initial prognosis of return of function was noted as “poor” per ENT services. Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist noted that prognosis for recovery of function is unknown but was low.Speech Therapy was also consulted and an individualized plan of care to address the deficits assessed was developed. Initial prognosis of return of functional speech / swallow was guarded. It was felt to be highly appropriate to provide the patient with therapeutic options.Speech Therapy sessions included use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, Thermal Stimulation, Tactile Stimulation, Therapeutic Massage to affected regions, Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation, finger occlusion trials for speech production attempts to ready patient for use of Passy Muir Valve, Oral Motor Exercises, Laryngeal Elevation Tasks, Vocal Stretching / Relaxation tasks and oral trials of ice chips as musculature function improved.ResultsThrough the use of these multiple modalities of skilled speech therapy intervention, the patient had return of functional verbal communication prior to discharge to a skilled rehabilitation program.ConclusionsUpon initial evaluation, the true potential for return of function was questioned. It is paramount that patient be given an opportunity to succeed - to be included in the plan of care - to be provided with opportunities to return to their prior level of function or as close as possible. There is little to no research regarding return of function for patients affected by glossoparesis.

Regional study material as an important component of the english language studying by students of non-language majors

At the present stage of the development of society, English is necessary for intercultural communication, so its study is given much attention during the training of students of non-language majors. At the same time, it is not enough to know only the vocabulary and grammar of the English language, because when communicating it is necessary to understand the culture and features of the country the representatives of which they communicate. The purpose of this publication is to prove the need to introduce material on regional studies in teaching English to students of non-language majors and highlight our own experience in this field. During the research, such methods as analysis of scientific and pedagogical literature, generalization, synthesis and formulation of conclusions were used. The article highlights the approaches to regional studies as a science (discipline related to the methods of teaching foreign languages, which is aimed at studying general patterns of the development of large regions; discipline, which aims to study selected and organized set of economic, historical, socio-political, geographical and other knowledge; discipline, which is related to the content and features of language communication of native speakers, etc.). It is established that in order to effectively teach the material on regional studies it is necessary to carefully select educational material (historical texts, illustrations, audio and video materials), which presents the specifics of a particular English-speaking country. For thorough acquisition of knowledge, it is also advisable to perform exercises for better mastery of educational material (aspect-oriented, analytical and oral exercises aimed at mastering linguistic reading and exercises aimed at developing the ability to plan reading activities, form techniques of linguistic reading and self-control exercises). Our own experience of teaching regional studies to students of non-language specialties (preparation of reports and presentations, writing essays on relevant topics, organization of discussions) is highlighted.

Regional Study Material as a Necessary Component of the English Language Studying by Students of Non-Language Specialties

Abstract. At the present stage of the development of society, English is necessary for intercultural communication, so its study is given much attention during the training of students of non-language specialties. At the same time, it is not enough to know only the vocabulary and grammar of the English language, because when communicating it is necessary to understand the culture and features of the country the representatives of which they communicate. The purpose of this publication is to prove the need to introduce material on regional studies in teaching English to students of non-language specialties and highlight our own experience in this field. During the research, such methods as analysis of scientific and pedagogical literature, generalization, synthesis and formulation of conclusions were used. The article highlights the approaches to regional studies as a science (discipline related to the methods of teaching foreign languages, which is aimed at studying general patterns of the development of large regions; discipline, which aims to study selected and organized set of economic, historical, socio-political, geographical and other knowledge; discipline, which is related to the content and features of language communication of native speakers, etc.). It is established that in order to effectively teach the material on regional studies it is necessary to carefully select educational material (historical texts, illustrations, audio and video materials), which presents the specifics of a particular English-speaking country. For thorough acquisition of knowledge, it is also advisable to perform exercises for better mastery of educational material (aspect-oriented, analytical and oral exercises aimed at mastering linguistic reading and exercises aimed at developing the ability to plan reading activities, form techniques of linguistic reading and self-control exercises). Our own experience of teaching regional studies to students of non-language specialties (preparation of reports and presentations, writing essays on relevant topics, organization of discussions) is highlighted.

PARAQUAT TONGUE: CASE OF PARAQUAT POISONING AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

We herein report a rare case of Paraquat poisoning which presented with multiple buccal mucosa and labial ulcers. He complained of burning pain in the mouth which increased on eating, along with difculty in complete mouth opening. The trismus progressed gradually from 4 ngers to 2 ngers breadth, over 2 days. The patient also had multiple episodes of vomiting with contents mainly being mucous secretions as the patient was nil per oral. Radiographic features including the imaging of the barium swallow of this case are discussed together with the pathomechanics of the poison. A comprehensive overview of the biochemistry and pharmacodynamics of Paraquat has been given as well. Understanding the mechanism of action of Paraquat will help to explain the manifestations of the poisoning and its subsequent treatment. Medical management was undertaken with the imperative step being the use of pulsatile steroid therapy. Supportive care and oral exercises were advised simultaneously to ensure optimum recovery. We looked at previously published literature to assess the proposed management protocols in the absence of a denitive antidote, leading to high mortality rates.

Effect of Oral Health Education Using a Mobile App (OHEMA) on the Oral Health and Swallowing-Related Quality of Life in Community-Based Integrated Care of the Elderly: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study investigated the effect of oral health education using a mobile app (OHEMA) on the oral health and swallowing-related quality of life (SWAL-QoL) of the elderly population in a community-based integrated care project (CICP). Forty elderly individuals in the CICP were randomized into intervention and control groups. OHEMA provided information on customized oral health care management, oral exercises, and intraoral and extraoral massage methods for 50 min/session, once a week, for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed the unstimulated salivary flow rate, subjective oral dryness, tongue pressure, and SWAL-QoL, which were analyzed using ANCOVA and repeated measures ANOVA. In the intervention group, tongue pressure increased significantly from pre- (17.75) to post-intervention (27.24) (p < 0.001), and subjective oral dryness decreased from pre- (30.75) to post-intervention (18.50). The unstimulated salivary flow rate had a higher mean score in the intervention group (7.19) than in the control group (5.04) (p < 0.001). The SWAL-QoL significantly improved from pre- (152.10) to post-intervention (171.50) in the intervention group (p < 0.001) but did not change significantly in the control group (p > 0.05). OHEMA appears to be a useful tool for oral health education for the elderly as it improved the SWAL-QoL, with increased tongue pressure and reduced oral dryness.

Effect of oral exercises and photobiomodulation therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with mandible fractures: randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Mandible fractures compromise stomatognathic functions, requiring rehabilitation. Evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) associated with oral exercises for rehabilitation of patients with mandible fractures. In this randomized clinical trial, we compared PBM with PBM sham in 14 adults with mandibular fractures who underwent surgical intervention. The sessions were performed 24h and 48h after surgical procedure, and weekly for 4weeks after hospital discharge. Both groups performed oral exercises after each PBM session. Restriction of food consistencies, mandibular mobility, pain, and facial sensitivity measured before and after the surgical procedure were the outcomes evaluated, one and 3months after surgery. Maximum interincisal distances (MID), exercise pain, and restriction of food consistencies were also evaluated during each week of intervention. Both groups showed normal MID (> 35mm) and food consistencies consumed 1month after the surgical procedure, with no significant differences between them. Individuals in the PBM group had less pain response to exercise during all the weeks of intervention than the sham group (p < 0.05). The patients presented a reduction in the painful response in MID and mandibular laterality movements 1month after surgery compared to the preoperative period. In contrast, there was an improvement in laterality in the sham group only 3months postoperatively and persistent pain in MID. There was no significant difference in facial sensitivity within and between groups during follow-up. The performance of oral exercises associated with PBM effectively facilitated the early rehabilitation of oral functions, with significant gains in pain management.