Gerodontology
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This study aimed to investigate characteristics associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation in older persons. ⋯ Salivary hypofunction and xerostomia were more prevalent in women and in those with continuous medication use; however, depressive symptoms were associated only with xerostomia. Measures are required to promote oral comfort in cases of xerostomia, thereby reducing the unpleasant sensation of dry mouth and hyposalivation consequences in clinical practice.
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Swallowing-related muscle strength decreases due to sarcopenia, and older people are at risk for sarcopenia and the resultant dysphagia. However, no studies have assessed the direct relationships between whole-body strength and swallowing-related muscles. Therefore, this study investigates the relationships between decreased whole-body strength, which is easily evaluated, and swallowing-related muscle strength. ⋯ Decreased swallowing-related muscle strength can be inferred in cases involving male patients for whom decreased grip strength is measured during physical examination or is otherwise suggested (eg, by an inability to open plastic bottles).
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The aim of the study was to translate and validate the oral health-related quality of life assessment tool named Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) into Hindi language for use in the Indian population. ⋯ The Hindi version of GOHAI exhibits acceptable validity and reliability and can be used in the elderly Indian population as a measure of oral health-related quality of life.
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The Mobilization-Observation-Behaviour-Intensity-Dementia (MOBID) Pain Scale has been developed for the assessment of pain in elderly individuals with severe dementia. From the initial draft of the MOBID, the teeth/mouth care item was removed due to its low correlation with the total score. However, the observation of this item was done by non-dental professionals only. The aim was to revisit the unique teeth/mouth care video uptake fragments with a group of experienced elderly care dentists, as to establish the reliability of this item. ⋯ Teeth/mouth care, as displayed on video uptakes, cannot be interpreted reliably by experienced elderly care dentists in terms of orofacial pain/discomfort-related behaviour or dementia-related behaviour with the Orofacial MOBID Pain Scale.
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This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation among community-dwelling older people. ⋯ Our findings showed that the prevalence of xerostomia and hyposalivation were approximately 1 in 3 and 1 in 10 respectively. The factors associated with psychological factors and high-level functional competence, while hyposalivation was associated with medications and gender, as well as systemic and/or metabolic differences. It is important to consider these multidimensional factors associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation.