A simple gel meets the Mouth's microscopic zoo
NCT ID NCT07828600
First seen Sep 18, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026
Summary
Researchers at Meiho University are studying whether applying an oral moisturizing gel changes the mix of bacteria in the mouths of older adults living in long-term care. The trial enrolls people aged 65 and older who have lived in a care facility for at least six months, including some with dementia. Participants receive the gel on the tongue and mouth lining, and researchers track gum health, plaque, tooth decay, and the types of bacteria present. The goal is to understand how oral care affects the mouth's bacterial balance in frail older adults.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- an oral moisturizing gel applied to the tongue and mouth lining
- What this could lead to
- If the gel shifts mouth bacteria toward a healthier balance, it could become a simple, low-cost addition to daily mouth care for frail older adults.
- What could go wrong
- The study is very small, with only 17 participants, and it measures mouth bacteria and gum health rather than hard outcomes like pneumonia or tooth loss. Any changes may be too small or too variable to matter.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
17 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jun 2025
- Finished
-
Jul 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
65 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * aged ≥65 years and having resided in the facility for ≥6 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who were receiving systemic antimicrobial therapy were strictly excluded.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Meiho university
Pingtung City, Taiwan, 912, Taiwan
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