Abstract
This study constructs a diagnostic support system for xerostomia which consists of a resistance-type humidity sensor inserted in the oral cavity that electrically measures the amount of moisture adhered to the sensor. A model of an oral cavity, which had a device for supplying warm water representing a salivary gland, was prepared and used to investigate the relationship between water supply and the moisture environment in the cavity. The model consisted of an acrylic container with two holes representing the openings from the submandibular glands and connected to a syringe pump. A resistance-type humidity sensor was placed inside the container. The moisture level in the cavity was assessed by converting the outputs from the start until saturation into percentage values and calculating the time t until the humidity inside the cavity reached 63%. The water vapor content was measured while placing the container in a water bath set at human body temperature. The time t determined from the measurements showed a significant difference (p<0.01) between water supplies of 1.0 ml/min and 0.5 ml/min.
