Oral Hypofunction in Long term care facilities’ older adults in Bangkok, Under- Recognized Geriatric Condition: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Thailand’s aging population is rapidly increasing, yet oral hypofunction remains an under-recognized condition among older adults, particularly those in long-term care facilities. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of oral hypofunction (oral hygiene, oral dryness, occlusal force, tongue lip motor function, tongue pressure, masticatory function and swallowing function) and the association with sarcopenia and malnutrition in older adults in long term care facilities in Bangkok. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to June 2025 at Baan Bang Khae, a government long-term care facility in Bangkok. A total of 105 participants aged ≥ 60 years were assessed for seven oral function items: oral hygiene, oral moisture, occlusal force, tongue lip motor function, tongue pressure, masticatory function, and swallowing function. Sarcopenia was evaluated using calf circumference, handgrip strength and gait speed. Malnutrition was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (MNA-SF). Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to analyze associations. Results The prevalence of oral hypofunction was 70.5%. The most common impairments were decreased tongue-lip motor function (88.6%), reduced occlusal force (69.5%), and decreased tongue pressure (60.9%). Sarcopenia and malnutrition were present in 57.1% and 41.9% of participants, respectively. Tongue pressure, tongue-lip motor function, and swallowing function were significantly associated with sarcopenia, while swallowing function was associated with malnutrition. On the other hand, sarcopenia and MNA-SF scores were significant predictors of oral hypofunction. Conclusions Oral hypofunction is highly prevalent among older adults in long-term care facilities in Bangkok and is significantly associated with sarcopenia and malnutrition. These findings highlight the need for early screening and integrative interventions targeting oral function, physical function and nutritional status to prevent progression toward dysfunction and dependent stage and enhance quality of life of older adults.