Revitalizing Oral Health: Effects of Oral Exercise and Salivary Gland Massage on Oral Function among Elderly

Abd-Elraziek, Eman Mohamed Ebrahim; El Awady, Sahar Mahmoud S.; Abd El-fatah, Shimaa Hassan

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2025.434594

Revitalizing Oral Health: Effects of Oral Exercise and Salivary Gland Massage on Oral Function among Elderly

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Geriatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Aswan University, Egypt. 2 College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia

² Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Helwan University, Egypt

³ Assistant Professor, Geriatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Sohag University, Egypt

10.21608/tsnj.2025.434594

Abstract

Background: Oral exercises and salivary gland massage benefit oral function among the
elderly, particularly in enhancing saliva production and overall oral health. Aim: This study
aimed to appraise the effects of revitalizing oral health by oral exercise and salivary gland
massage on oral function among the elderly. Research design: A quasi-experimental
research design was used. Sample: A purposive sample of 90 elderly people. Setting: This
study was conducted at the Hoda Talaat Harb Specialized Center for the Treatment and
Rehabilitation of the Elderly in Helwan City in Cairo Governorate, Egypt. Tool for data
collection: Three tools used in study, tool 1: Structure interview sheet composed of three parts;
part 1: Socio-demographic characteristic, 2nd part: Medical health history, 3rd part:
Knowledge of elderly about oral exercises and salivary gland massage. Tool II: Observation
checklist for Elderly's practices. Tool III: Assessment of oral health function. Results:
Studied elderly's Knowledge and reported practices regarding oral health revealed statistically
significant improvements post implementation an intervention than pre. Also, there was a
statistically significant enhancement in oral function tests post-implementation of the
interventions, with p-values indicating strong significance. Conclusion: The study concluded
that revitalizing oral health for studied elderly was an appropriate way of improving oral
function. Recommendation: A continuous educational program for older adults about
oral exercise, saliva gland massage, and oral hygiene practices.