2004 Volume 6 Issue 4 Pages 275-280
As neutral electrolyzed water is strongly antibactericidal, and since has a pH of close to 7, it may give a minimal influence on oral mucosa and other parts of the human body. However, its efficacy in oral care in the field of nursing has not been elucidated. We studied the effect of neutral electrolytic water and Iodine gargle on oral care in healthy adult volunteers, comparing their effects on saliva pH and normal bacterial colonization. We also conducted an oral interview to the volunteers to find out how they felt neutral electrolyzed water. We reached the following conclusions from the results. 1. The effect of neutral electrolyzed water on saliva pH and normal bacterial colonization of the volunteers was equivalent to that of Iodine gargle. 2. Disease-inducing microbes were detected only in a few cases, so the bactericidal effect of neutral electrolyzed water remained unclear. 3. Six of 7 subjects did not complain to use the water for a week oral care. Thus it is acceptable for neutral electrolyzed water to be used in oral care.
