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BMC Oral Health

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Nausea | Research article

Cleaning the palate and tongue without nausea: a mixed methods study exploring the appropriate depth and direction of oral care

Authors: Yang Cheng, Yu-feng Zhou, Ya-ping Ding, Ying Xing, Enfang Shan, Hang Sun

Published in: BMC Oral Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

It is advisable to clean the palate and tongue thoroughly during oral care to protect against nosocomial infections. However, improper cleaning may cause nausea. To date, no robust data are available regarding how to implement this procedure properly. Furthermore, traditional cotton balls, forceps and normal saline are still used in clinical in China. This mixed methods study aimed to explore the appropriate depth and direction of cleaning methods for palates and tongues without causing nausea and the factors influencing cleaning depth and discomfort in traditional oral care.

Methods

Our study recruited students (n = 276) from a medical university. The first phase was a quantitative study, in which forceps were slowly inserted into their throats until the gag reflex was triggered, and then, the insertion depth was measured. After that, participants were randomly divided into two groups. In group A, palates and tongues were cleaned coronally and then sagittally, with the converse order used for group B. The extent of nausea was measured. Additionally, the qualitative data were types of discomfort other than nausea reported by the participants.

Results

The tolerable depths (without causing nausea) for cleaning the palate and tongue were 6.75 ± 1.07 cm and 6.92 ± 1.11 cm, respectively. Participants of male sex and with high BMI (overweight/obese) were associated with greater tolerable cleaning depth. The extent of nausea caused by cleaning both the palate and the tongue sagittally was higher than that elicited by coronal cleaning (p = 0.025 and p = 0.003, respectively). Other discomforts included itching, saltiness and coldness.

Conclusion

It is appropriate to increase the cleaning depth of the palate and tongue for adult males and overweight/obese individuals. Moreover, coronal cleaning causes lower levels of nausea, and traditional oral care appliances should be improved.

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Title: Cleaning the palate and tongue without nausea: a mixed methods study exploring the appropriate depth and direction of oral care
Authors: Yang Cheng
Yu-feng Zhou
Ya-ping Ding
Ying Xing
Enfang Shan
Hang Sun
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Nausea
Care
Published in: BMC Oral Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6831
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-021-01414-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Cleaning the palate and tongue without nausea: a mixed methods study exploring the appropriate depth and direction of oral care

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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