Effects of Intraoral Vibration Stimulation on Brain Activity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults:A Pilot Study
10.5856/JKDS.2026.19.1.10
- Author:
Na-Hee CHANG
1
;
Keun-Suh KIM
;
Ji Won HAN
;
Won-Seok KIM
;
Ki Woong KIM
;
Hyo-Jung LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Dental Hygiene, Gangdong University, Eumseong, Korea
- From:Journal of Korean Dental Science
2026;19(1):10-22
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Declines in masticatory function have been reported to be closely associated with cognitive impairment and reduced brain activity in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intraoral vibratory stimulation on masticatory function, cognitive performance, and brain activity in elderly individuals and to evaluate its potential efficacy.
Materials and Methods:Participants were divided into a vibration-stimulation group (n=9) and a non-vibration control group (n=7). Baseline assessments were conducted at the first visit. Participants then received either vibratory stimulation or a wash-out (control) condition for two weeks, followed by the same assessments at the final visit. Evaluation measures were dental assessments (maximum bite force, masticatory performance, and salivary flow rate), cognitive tests (CANTAB, paper-based and computerized tests), quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a short-term memory task.
Results:No significant long-term effects or statistically meaningful differences were observed between the two groups in cognitive performance or brain activity. Similarly, no pre- to post-intervention differences were found between groups in dental measures related to masticatory function (maximum bite force, masticatory performance, and salivary flow rate). Due to the limited sample size, this study functioned as a pilot study focusing on descriptive rather than inferential statistical analysis.
Conclusion:Intraoral vibratory stimulation did not demonstrate immediate or clear effects on cognitive function or brain activity in older adults, suggesting the need for optimization of stimulation parameters such as location and intensity. Future studies with larger sample sizes and improved stimulation methods replicating masticatory function are warranted to further explore the potential cognitive benefits.
