Temporal Changes in Oral Mucosal Microbiota of Enteral Nutrition Patients with Xerostomia
Patients receiving enteral nutrition experience a significantly increased risk of aspiration pneumonia through changes in the oral mucosal microbiota. While xerostomia and membranous substance formation frequently occur in this population, the temporal dynamics of the oral microbiota remain poorly characterized. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate temporal changes in bacterial communities by collecting palatal mucosal samples at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after routine oral care in patients with xerostomia undergoing long-term enteral nutrition. Additionally, the association between oral microbiota and xerostomia or pellicle formation will be examined. This study aims to provide scientific data contributing to determining appropriate oral care timing based on points of change in the microbiota.