생리식염수를 이용한 구강함수가 요양시설노인의 구강건강상태, 구강건조, 구취, 타액 pH 변화에 미치는 효과

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]