구강용액에 따른 구강간호수행이 요양병원 입원노인의 구강건강상태와 치아착색에 미치는 효과

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate whether there were differences among three oral care protocols on participants' oral health status (oral status, dry mouth, halitosis, saliva pH, microorganism growth in oral cavity) and tooth stain. The three protocols were: 1) oral solution of 4% normal saline, 2) 0.1% Chlorhexidine and 3) Tantum. Methods: A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was utilized. A total of 55 elderly patients residing at long-term care facilities(19 in the 4% normal saline group, 17 in the 0.1% Chlorhexidine group, 19 in the Tantum group) received oral care daily for four weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 22.0 program. Results: The halitosis (x2=10.71, p=.005) and saliva pH (x2=6.84, p=.033) scores were significantly improved after the oral care with 4% normal saline. Conclusion: These findings indicate that if elderly patients in long-term care facilities have complaint of the discomfort of using Chlorhexidine or Tantum, 4% normal saline is as effective at the other two. This can also be cost effective as there were no differences among the protocols in oral status, dry mouth, tooth stain or microorganism growth in oral cavity.