Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing 2005;7(1):88-103.
자일리톨과 솔비톨이 노인의 구강건강과 구강불편감에 미치는 효과
백성희
Abstract
Purpose The study attempt to consider whether xylitol and sorbitol influences on oral health and relieved xerostomia in the Elderly. Method: This is a quasi-experimental study based on the pre-test/post-test experimental design. July to August 2003, 10 subjects in the xylitol group had 5.2gm of xylitol a day by chewing, and 9 subjects in the sorbitol group also had 5.3gm of sorbitol a day by chewing. Control group had no treatment. Collected data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA using the SPSS program. Result As time proceeds, no significant difference was found in the oral health index and xerostomia among the three groups. However within the xylitol and sorbitol treatment groups. Xylitol group showed a significant change in the saliva flow rate, pH, total protein concentrations, and immunoglobulin levels, and xerostomia as time proceeds. Sorbitol group showed a significant change in all the indexes. Conclusion Chewing of the gums containing xylitol or sorbitol increased saliva secretion, caused pH buffer effect of saliva, and elevated the total protein and immunoglobulin levels. This result has a significance beyond a mere increase of saliva flow rate in terms of the prevention of infection by increasing antibacterial ingredients.