Massage your way to a moister mouth: new study tests simple trick for dry mouth in seniors
NCT ID NCT07251543
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a simple salivary gland massage before meals can help older adults with dry mouth. Researchers will compare 54 older adults who do the massage with 54 who receive only oral health education. The goal is to see if the massage improves saliva flow, eases dry mouth, and makes chewing and swallowing easier.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- salivary gland massage
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way for older adults to ease dry mouth and improve chewing and swallowing at home.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with 108 participants. The massage may not work for everyone, and results may not apply to people with certain medical conditions like Sjögren's disease or head and neck cancer.
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
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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
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About 108 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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
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65 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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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: 1. Age ≥ 65 years. 2. Mentally aware and able to express themselves in Mandarin or Taiwanese. 3. Able to follow instructions and participate in activities. 4. After the researcher explains the purpose and procedures of the study, they voluntarily participate in the study and sign the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Elderly individuals with Sjögren's disease, head and neck cancer, tongue disease, or those undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy. 2. Those with cognitive impairment or unable to safely participate in exercise training. 3. Those unable to provide written informed consent.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital
Chiayi City, Taiwan, Taiwan
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