Effects of oral health programmes on xerostomia in community‐dwelling elderly: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

OBJECTIVES: While common in the elderly, dry mouth can negatively affect their oral health and nutritional status. Self-administered oral care by the elderly can improve their oral health and prevent oral diseases. This study aimed to identify the content of oral health promotion programmes for community-dwelling elderly and to determine which programmes are effective in improving oral health decreasing xerostomia in these populations. METHODS: A systematic literature search and meta-analysis was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. All available papers published in English or Korean were searched between 1 June and 13 June 2018. The relevant databases in PubMed Central, MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and Embase, as well as open dissertation and academic searches, were performed. Data were extracted from the selected studies based on PICOS, and the health outcomes of the elderly were subjected to meta-analysis categorized by salivary secretion rates and oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL). RESULTS: A total of nine studies had sufficient data for a systematic review and meta-analysis. The intervention programmes consisted mainly of oral health promotion programmes, mouth exercises, toothbrushing and salivary massage. The meta-analysis indicated that elderly participating in oral health programmes had significantly increased oral salivary secretion rates and OHQoL (effect sizes of 0.63 and 0.80, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Oral health promotion programmes in the elderly provide the positive effects of relieving dry mouth and improving OHQoL. This systematic review confirmed the contents and effects of the oral health promotion programmes provided to community-dwelling elderly.