Effects of Normal Saline Solution Mouthwash on Oral Health Status, Xerostomia, Halitosis and Salivary pH in Elders in Long-term Care Facilities

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of mouthwash using cold or normal temperature normal saline solution on oral health status, xerostomia, halitosis, and salivary pH of elders in long-term care facilities. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, the participants were assigned to a cold normal saline solution group (n=30), a normal saline solution group (n=30), and a tooth brushing group (n=33). Data were analyzed using x2 test, Fisher‘s exact test, paired t-test, one-way ANOVA with SPSS 20.0 program. Results Using cold normal saline solution or normal saline solution mouthwashes was shown to be more effective than using only tooth brushing in improving the oral health status (F=9.57, p<.001) and in relieving xerostamia (F=6.52, p=.002) in the participants. A comparison of before and after the experimental treatment showed that both cold normal saline solution and normal saline solution improved oral status, xerostomia, halitosis, and salivary pH. Conclusion The results indicate that regular tooth brushing with education on continuous normal saline solution mouth washing promotes oral health for elders. These interventions can also be used as nursing interventions to improve the oral health of the elders in long-term care facilities. 주요어: 구강함수, ë ¸ì¸, 구강건강, 구강건조, 구취 Key Words: Mouthwashes, Aged, Oral health, Xerostomia, Halitosis