Evaluation of wiping edible sesame oils in the oral cavities of hospitalised older patients who resist oral hygiene management

Abstract

Context: One of the causes of aspiration pneumonia is poor oral hygiene. We need care methods that caregivers can quickly, safely and inexpensively implement for convalescents with inadequate self-care. Edible sesame oil containing sesamin or sesaminol has already been shown to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth and have a vasodilating effect. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of using edible sesame oils for oral hygiene management. Settings and Design: This study evaluates an oral hygiene management method using two types of sesame oils in elderly hospitalised patients resistant to oral hygiene management. Methods and Material: The inpatients received oral care for 90 days. In the intervention groups, nurses brushed and wiped the oral cavity with roasted sesame oil (RSO) or sesame salad oil, while in the control group, care with tap water alone and brushing were done. Bacteria and Candida counts from tongue swabs, water content from the tongue's surface and cheek mucosa, oral health assessment tool (OHAT) and cytology of the cheek mucosa were assessed every 30 days before and after the intervention. Results: RSO showed a tendency to reduce the number of bacteria and Candida. There was an improvement in the OHAT scores with both oils. The water content or cytology was not changing. Conclusions: Sesame oils may improve oral hygiene and maintain health in older patients.

Keywords

• bacteria
• candidiasis
• mouth mucosa
• oral hygiene
• sesame oil