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

Abstract

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.