Allocation concealment was performed through the use of individual opaque envelopes numbered externally in sequence, containing the randomly defined group information.This step was performed by a researcher who did not participate in the data collection. The intensity of the initial thirst was measured by means of the Verbal Numerical Scale (VNS), which ranged from 0 (no thirst) to 10 (very intense thirst) and the discomfort of the initial thirst was measured through the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale (PTDS), which is composed of 7 attributes and ranges from 0 to 14. After using the intervention (menthol chewing gum) for 10 minutes, chewing at a natural rhythm and swallowing the saliva produced, the intensity and final discomfort were measured using the same scales.

Allocation concealment was performed through the use of individual opaque envelopes numbered externally in sequence, containing the randomly defined group information.This step was performed by a researcher who did not participate in the data collection.The intensity of the initial thirst was measured by means of the Verbal Numerical Scale (VNS), which ranged from 0 (no thirst) to 10 (very intense thirst) and the discomfort of the initial thirst was measured through the Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale (PTDS), which is composed of 7 attributes and ranges from 0 to 14. After maintaining the usual care, that is, reaffirming the need for fasting for 10 minutes, the intensity and final discomfort were measured using the same scales.

The experimental group received one unit of mentholated chewing gum, chewing and swallowing the saliva in a natural rhythm for 10 minutes. The menthol chewing gum used is called TRÍDENT®and is composed as follows: base gum, hydrogenated vegetable oil, vegetable oil, sweeteners: sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, maltitol, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose, humectants: glycerin and triacetin, flavorings (contains wheat derivatives), anti-humectant talc, emulsifiers: esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids with acetic acid, soy lectin and mono and diglycerides of fatty acids and colorings: tartrazine and brilliant blue FCF, presenting a weight of 1.8g per unit.

Alteration in the evaluation of the final intensity of thirst in relation to the evaluation of the initial intensity of thirst [10 minutes]. For evaluation of the intensity of thirst, a Verbal Numeral Scale (VNS) was used, with a range from 0 (no thirst) to 10 (very intense thirst), as reported by the patients when questioned.

Alteration in the evaluation of the final discomfort of thirst in relation to the evaluation of the initial discomfort of thirst [10 minutes]. The Perioperative Thirst Discomfort Scale (PTDS) was used to evaluate the discomfort of the thirst.This scale is composed of 7 attributes that evaluate the signs of discomfort of perioperative thirst, as follows: dry mouth, dry lips, thick tongue, thick saliva, bad taste in the mouth, and desire to drink water. Each attribute varies between 0 (no inconvenience), 1 (a little inconvenient), and 2 (very inconvenient). The final sum of the PTDS can range from 0 to 14 points.