Time-dependent effects of tongue cleaning with mouthwash or mouth moisturising gel on the number of microbes on the tongue surface of elders with care needs.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate time-dependent change in the number of microbes on the tongue surface after tongue cleaning using a mouthwash or mouth moisturising gel for elders fed with a feeding tube and with care needs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve elders fed through a feeding tube and with care needs participated in this prospective crossover study. There were four kinds of tongue cleaning modes as follows: (i) tongue cleaning with a mouthwash; (ii) tongue cleaning with a mouth moisturising gel; (iii) tongue cleaning with water; (iv) no tongue cleaning as a negative control. The total number of microbes on the tongue surface was measured using a rapid oral bacteria detection device at baseline, immediately after cleaning, and at 1, 3 and 5 hours after cleaning to evaluate the time-dependent change for each tongue cleaning mode.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences regarding microbial count on every measurement in negative control and tongue cleaning with water. There were significant decreases immediately after cleaning, and at 1, 3 and 5 hours after cleaning compared to baseline when the tongue was cleaned with a mouthwash. There was a significant decrease between baseline and immediately after cleaning when the tongue was cleaned with a mouth moisturising gel.

CONCLUSION

Tongue cleaning with mouth moisturising gel decreased the number of microbes on the tongue surface immediately after cleaning, and tongue cleaning with mouthwash decreased it for 5 hours.