Effect of oral function test selection on the diagnosis of oral hypofunction in Japanese dental clinic patients.

Abstract

This study used multiple methods in the same cohort to assess oral hypofunction, namely, poor oral hygiene, oral dryness, and diminished occlusal force, tongue-lip motor function, tongue pressure, masticatory function, and swallowing function. Oral hypofunction diagnoses differed in relation to the method used to assess oral dryness (in 6 patients) and poor oral hygiene (in 24 patients). Accurate diagnosis of oral hypofunction enables appropriate management of oral function. Future studies should evaluate other assessment items.