Dry mouth and aging

Dry mouth is common among elderly people and can negatively affect their oral health and nutritional status.

Improving oral health

This study aimed to identify the content of oral health promotion programs for community-dwelling elderly and to determine which programs are effective in improving oral health and dry mouth in these populations. The programs consisted mainly of mouth exercises, tooth-brushing, and massage of the salivary glands on the cheeks and the neck.

Better saliva production

The conclusion is that elderly participating in oral health programs have a better production of saliva and quality of life.

Read the full abstract:

Effects of Oral Health Programs on Xerostomia in Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis