Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Rapid Viscoelastic Characterization of Airway Mucus Using a Benchtop Rheometer
Published on: April 21, 2022
[The usefulness of an oral moisture checking device (Moisture Checker for Mucus)]
Fumi Takahashi1, Toshiaki Koji, Osami Morita
1Department of Complete Denture, The Nippon Dental University School of Dentistry at Niigata, 951-8580 Niigata. fumichan@ngt.ndu.ac.jp
Purpose:
An oral moisture checking device is easy to use for the examination of oral dryness during clinical procedures. This study examined the usefulness of an oral moisture checking device.
Methods:
The subjects in the examination of factors that influence the measured value of the oral moisture checking device were 16 sound adults (mean age 27.5). The subjects in the examination of measuring the moisture of sound adults were 32 adults (mean age 24.4). In the factors that influence the measured value of the device, the measuring pressure was examined by comparing the measured value with a trial stopper and without the stopper. The factor of sensor cover was examined by comparing the measured value before and after changing the sensor cover. The factor of device was examined by comparing the measured value using the two devices. The moisture of sound adults was measured at the lingual mucosa and buccal mucosa.
Results:
The measured value with a trial stopper was lower by 0.2-0.3% than that without the stopper. The measured value differed before and after changing the sensor cover by 0.5-0.8%. The measured value was not different among devices. The mean value of the moisture of sound adults was 30.6+/-0.3% at the lingual mucosa, and 30.9+/-0.3% at the buccal mucosa.
Conclusions:
The measurement errors of the oral moisture checking device were within 1% under the condition of proper measuring pressure. Additionally, the moisture of sound adults converged toward definite values. The results of this study suggested that the oral moisture checking device is useful for the examination of xerostomia.
Insights
This study found an oral moisture checking device is useful for diagnosing dry mouth (xerostomia). Measurement errors were within 1% with proper use, and healthy adults showed consistent moisture levels.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oral Medicine
- Diagnostic Devices
Background:
- Oral dryness, or xerostomia, affects patient comfort and oral health.
- Accurate measurement of oral moisture is crucial for diagnosing and managing xerostomia.
- Existing methods for assessing oral moisture may be cumbersome in clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical usefulness of a novel oral moisture checking device.
- To determine the accuracy and reliability of the device in measuring oral dryness.
- To assess factors influencing the device's measurements.
Main Methods:
- Investigated factors affecting measurements, including measuring pressure, sensor cover, and device variability.
- Tested the device on 16 healthy adults to assess influencing factors.
- Measured oral moisture levels on the lingual and buccal mucosa of 32 healthy adults.
Main Results:
- Measurement errors due to pressure and sensor cover changes were within 1%.
- Different devices yielded comparable results, indicating good inter-device reliability.
- Healthy adults exhibited consistent oral moisture levels: 30.6% on lingual mucosa and 30.9% on buccal mucosa.
Conclusions:
- The oral moisture checking device demonstrates high usefulness for clinical examination of xerostomia.
- Proper measuring pressure is key to achieving measurement errors within 1%.
- The device provides reliable and consistent measurements of oral moisture in healthy individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
01:16Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
01:17Mortar Properties
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...