Prevalence of swallowing difficulties in a dental clinic: A case study at a general hospital in Thailand.

BACKGROUND

Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulty, is common among older adults and can pose risks during dental treatments, including aspiration and accidental ingestion. While dysphagia prevalence is well-studied in healthcare and community settings, data from clinical dental settings remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of swallowing difficulties in older adults visiting a dental clinic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Nong Khai General Hospital, Thailand, from November 2023 to April 2024, using completed demographic questionnaires and the Thai version of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Swallowing difficulties were defined as an EAT-10 score ≥3. Associations with demographic and clinical factors were examined using Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 327 participants (mean age 69.2 ± 6.6 years; 52.3% female), 12.5% were screened as positive for swallowing difficulties. Significant predictors included female sex, dietary texture modification, and underlying conditions such as stroke and neuromuscular disorders. Self-reported choking or coughing during dental treatment were also associated with increased risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to investigate swallowing difficulties in older adults within a dental clinic setting. The findings underscore the need for dental professionals to screen for dysphagia and consider appropriate precautions to reduce procedural complications.