Oral Functional Decline in Thai Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objective: The decline in oral function is a growing concern among the aging Thai population, affecting nutrition, general health, and quality of life. This systematic review aimed to map the current landscape of research regarding oral functional decline in the older Thai population.
Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Thai local journals for studies published between 1993 and 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experiments, observational studies, qualitative research, and mixed-methods. Studies were included if they involved Thai individuals aged 60 or older with reported oral function outcomes. Three reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal.
Results: Among the total of 4,292 publications, 11 were selected according to the inclusion criteria, including 2 experimental and 9 non-experimental studies. The prevalence of chewing difficulty among older Thai adults ranged from 0.6–72%, while swallowing problems ranged from 8–59.4%. Xerostomia and hyposalivation were reported at 23–38.4% and 16.4–43.5%, respectively. Speaking problems showed the lowest prevalence, ranging from 3.5–5.6%.
Conclusion: Oral functional decline is prevalent among elderly Thais. However, the evidence remains unclear due to heterogeneity in study designs and assessment methods. Public health strategies should enhance access to oral healthcare and integrate it into broader aging care services in Thailand.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
All articles, data, content, images, and other materials published in the Khon Kaen University Dental Journal are the exclusive copyright of the Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University. Any individual or organization wishing to reproduce, distribute, or use all or any part of the published materials for any purpose must obtain prior written permission from the Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University.
References
National Statistical Office (Thailand). Statistical yearbook Thailand 2023 [Internet]. Bangkok: National Statistical Office; 2023 [cited 2025 Jul 18]. Available from: http://www.nso.go.th
World Health Organization. World report on ageing and health [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization;2015[cited 2025 Jul 18]. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565042
Minakuchi S, Tsuga K, Ikebe K, Ueda T, Tamura F, Nagao K, et al. Oral hypofunction in the older population: Position paper of the Japanese Society of Gerodontology in 2016 . Gerodontology. 2018;35(4):317–24.
Nitschke I, Müller F. The impact of oral health on the quality of life in the elderly. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2004;2(1):271–5.
Watanabe Y, Hirano H, Arai H, Morishita S, Ohara Y, Edahiro A, et al. Relationship between frailty and oral function in community-dwelling elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2017;65(1):66-76.
Zheng Z, Xu M, Wang L, Deng Y, Liu Q, Yu K. Masticatory function and cognition in older adults: A population-based study. J Prosthet Dent. 2025;134(6):2345-53.
Hironaka S, Kugimiya Y, Watanabe Y, Motokawa K, Hirano H, Kawai H, et al. Association between oral, social, and physical frailty in community -dwelling older adults. Arch Gerontol Geriatr.2020 Jul;89:104105.doi:10.1016/j.archger.2020.104105. PMID: 32480111.
Nilkamhaeng P, Sinavarat P, Assantachai P, Tansriratanawong K, Okuma N, Ngamwuttiwong K, et al. Impaired oral function in older adults with type 2 diabetes. M Dent J. 2024;44(1):22-37.
Sonpanao P, Janebodin K, Namvichaisirikul N, Thongjit S, Jitprasertwong P. The prevalence of xerostomia in older Thai individuals with type II diabetes mellitus and its association with type of toothpaste and oral functions: a cross-sectional study using questionnaires. Geriatr (Basel). 2023. 15;8(4):76. doi: 10.3390/geriatrics8040076.
Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. PLoS Med. 2021;18(3): e1003583. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1003583.
Chantaraboot Y, Sermsuti-anuwat N. Factors associated with self-reported oral health among community-dwelling older adults in a rural province of Thailand. J Multidiscip Healthc.2022;15:2111–9.
Salimee P, Anusornniti-sara S, Pradubploy D, Vathanalaoha K, Prapinjumrune C, Theeraraungchaisri C. The study of the relation between masticatory ability and masticatory performance in a group of elderly patients. CU Dent J. 2003;26(3):211-20.
Kasa K, Worakajit P, Sinsen S, Samnieng P. Translation, validation and reliability of a Thai version of the Xerostomia Inventory. SWU Dent J. 2022;15(1):10-20.
Chantaramanee A, Srinarupat J, Kornkamol N, Samnieng P. Thai version of the Oral Frailty Five-Item Questionnaire (OF-5): Instrument Validity and Reliability study. J Int Dent Med Res. 2025;18(1):367-73.
Kongma P, Korwanich N, Klibngern H, Tavisak N, Inoue M, Korwanich K. Screening algorithms for detecting dysphagia: A validation study of Thai EAT-10 combined with the 3-Ounce Water Swallow Test. J Assoc Med Sci. 2023;56(2):99-105.
Wongworasun S, Hunsrisakhun J, Watanapa A. Effectiveness of oral exercise programs on oral function among independent elderly people: A cluster randomized controlled trial. J Int Oral Health. 2022;14(4):363–69.
Chotprakaikiat W, Sarasit N, Kerdwanghin P, Yayord P, Phetpradub P, Samnieng P. Formulation and evaluation of a water-based oral lubricant for using in geriatric dentistry.SWU Dent J. 2023;16(1):37-49.
Iwasaki M, Kimura Y, Sasiwongsaroj K, Kettratad-Pruksapong M, Suksudaj S, Ishimoto Y, et al. Association between objectively measured chewing ability and frailty: A cross-sectional study in central Thailand. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2018;18(6):860–6.
Abu-Ghanem S, Graf A, Govind J. Diagnosis of sarcopenic dysphagia in the elderly: critical review and future perspectives. Dysphagia. 2022;37(5):1093-102.doi:10.1007/s00455-021-10367-2.
Ministry of Public Health (Thailand). Thailand health profile 2018–2021.Nonthaburi: Bureau of Policy and Strategy, Ministry of Public Health; 2022.
