Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

The Use Of A Myofunctional Device In An Aged Care Population For Oral Care And Swallowing: A Feasibility Study, Hollie-Ann L. Shortland, Gwendalyn Webb, Anne E. Vertigan, Sally Hewat

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: Poor oral health is a known predictor of aspiration pneumonia in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and chronically ill. This study examined the feasibility of using myofunctional devices during a 5-week intervention for the management of oral care and dysphagia for residents in a residential aged-care facility.

Method: Feasibility was determined through evaluation of study recruitment and retention rates, adherence to intervention, and resident and staff acceptability of the intervention. Thirteen residents, ages 74–99, participated in the intervention and 10 care staff completed feedback on post-intervention questionnaires.

Results: Enrolment and retention rates were 61.9% and 92.3%, respectively. Adherence …

Possible Effects Vaping Nicotine Has On Laryngeal And Vocal Health, Ashley Reichwein

2023 SLP Posters

The act of smoking electronic cigarettes, known as “vaping”, has increased in popularity in recent years. According to the FDA, 1 in 10, more than 2.5 million, U.S high school and middle school students have reported using e-cigarettes in 2022. In 2018, an estimated 8.1 million U.S adults reported using e-cigarettes (Villarroel et al, CDC). Vaping is defined as “inhaling a smoke-free aerosol through a mouthpiece, which is produced through the heating of a liquid such as glycol or glycerin in an electronic device” (Lyzwinski et al., 2022). Vaping was originally marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking; however, …

Beyond Oral Care: Impact Of Oral Pathogens On The Respiratory System, Iryna Schwartz

2023 SLP Posters

The elderly population and medically compromised patients are at greater risk for the development of aspiration pneumonia. This poster intends to examine the relationships between oral dysbiosis and lung pathogenesis. The basic dental science of how oral pathogens invade the oral cavity will be explained. The link between oral disease and aspiration pneumonia will be discussed. Attention to oral health management will also be applied.