Effectiveness of Mouthwash made from Sesewanua (Clerodendrum Fragrans Wild) to reduce Streptococcus Mutans Bacteria: Quasi-Experimental Study
Keywords:
Herbal, Mouthwash, Streptococcus mutans, Oral Diseases, HygieneAbstract
Objective: To investigate the benefits of Sesewanua extract in reducing Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth.
Methodology: This study used a quasi-experimental pre-post test design with a control group. A total of 100 female students who met the inclusion criteria were randomly selected and divided into four groups of 25 each: 1%, 2%, and 4% sesewanua extract mouthwash groups, and a control group (pure Water). Bacterial samples were taken from the cheek mucosa and tongue before and after the oral hygiene procedure. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test and a one-way ANOVA with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: All three concentrations of sesewanua extract mouthwash significantly reduced the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The 1% concentration reduced the average number of bacteria from 1592.0 to 1111.0 (p=0.038), the 2% concentration from 1025.8 to 918.7 (p=0.034), and the 4% concentration from 1319.4 to 441.0 (p=0.012). The control group did not show a significant decrease (p=0.089). Intergroup comparison analysis showed that the 4% concentration was significantly more effective than the 1% (p=0.002) and 2% (p=0.001) concentrations, while the comparison between the 1% and 2% concentrations did not differ significantly (p=0.873). The comparison between the 4% concentration and the control group did not show a significant difference (p=0.201).
Conclusion: Sesewanua (Clerodendrum fragrans Wild) extract mouthwash effectively reduced oral bacteria at all tested concentrations, with the highest concentration demonstrating the most optimal antibacterial activity. Higher extract concentrations yielded greater bacterial reduction, making the highest concentration the most recommended mouthwash formulation.
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