A new oral care gel to prevent aspiration during oral care

Aim: Although oral care is important in the prevention of aspiration pneumonia, the different institutions and practitioners em­ploy various oral care methods, some of which are associated with the risk of aspiration. We have developed a new gel with the physical properties needed for waterless oral care. In the present study, we evaluated and investigated the properties and effec­tiveness of this gel. Methods: The physical properties of the trial gel and commercial moisturizing gels were compared using a VAS scale. The ef­fects of plaque elimination were evaluated in healthy volunteers Brushing was carried out by a dental hygienist using the gel and water. The number of throat suctions performed during brushing was also counted, and the difference was evaluated. Results: In the evaluation of physical characteristics, trial Gel B showed a significantly higher rating than the other gels In plaque elimination, the rate of decrease in a modified PCR was significantly greater with the gel trial. Suctioning was also per­formed significantly fewer times with the trial gel. Conclusions: Good results were obtained with the newly developed trial Gel B with regard to the physical properties and the sensory evaluations Its effectiveness was also confirmed in plaque elimination and in the evaluated risk of aspiration. The use of Gel B may have the potential to decrease the risk of aspiration during oral care and reduce the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia.