Evaluation of a Japanese “Prevention of Long‐term Care” project for the improvement in oral function in the high‐risk elderly

AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the improvement in oral function and environment in high-risk elderly persons participating in a program to improve oral function organized by their local government. METHODS: Participants comprised 36 high-risk elderly and the mean age was 77.11 ± 7.24 years. The program involved training sessions carried out five or six times every 2-3 weeks for 3 months. Oral function and environment was evaluated before and after the program. The research period extended from 2008 to 2010. RESULTS: The effects of intervention were clearly observed in oral diadochokinesis score in the high-risk elderly. Persons with a lower repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST) and oral diadochokinesis score before intervention showed a tendency toward even greater improvement. No significant changes were observed in saliva secretion or total amounts of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli, Candida or total microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of intervention were clearly recognized in regards to oral diadochokinesis. Improvement in RSST and oral diadochokinesis scores was marked in those persons showing a lower number of articulations before intervention.