Using mouth odor to prevent pneumonia in older adults
Mouth Odor as a Precision Care Indicator for Preventing Pneumonia Among Middle-aged and Older Adults With Oral Frailty
This study is testing if tracking mouth odor can help prevent pneumonia in older adults by looking at their oral health and trying out some mouth exercises and hygiene practices.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 304 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Cheng-Kung University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tainan) |
| Trial ID | NCT05987982 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to collect data on oral function and hygiene among the elderly to understand oral frailty. It will compare the oral health of community-dwelling seniors with hospitalized patients to identify the relationship between oral frailty and pneumonia-related pathogens. The study will also establish a mouth odor database and assess whether mouth odor can serve as a biological indicator of oral health changes following rehabilitation interventions. The interventions will include oral exercises and hygiene practices.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 50 and older who are alert, oriented, and willing to participate in oral assessments.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments or those undergoing treatment for oral cancer or periodontal disease may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved oral health management strategies that reduce pneumonia risk in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using mouth odor as a biological marker is relatively novel, similar studies have shown the importance of oral health in preventing pneumonia.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 50 years old, * Alert and oriented, * With sufficient comprehension and cooperation, * Willing to participate in oral assessment. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who score below 5 on the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG), * Patients with oral treatments such as oral cancer treatment, * Patients with oral treatments such as periodontal disease treatment.
Where this trial is running
Tainan
- National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University — Tainan, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yen-Chin Chen
- Email: yenchin2427@gmail.com
- Phone: +886-6-2353535
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.