Effectiveness Of Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) Leaf Gargling on Salivary pH and Plaque Scores In Outpatient Polyclinic Staff at Kerinjing Community Health Center, Ogan Ilir District, 2024

Ayu Firda Monica; Rusmiati Rusmiati; Retno Dwi Sari

doi:10.35910/icohpj.v5i0.1034

Ayu Firda Monica Departement of Dental Health, Politeknik Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Jambi, Indonesia
Rusmiati Rusmiati Departement of Dental Health, Politeknik Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Jambi, Indonesia
Retno Dwi Sari Departement of Dental Health, Politeknik Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Jambi, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35910/icohpj.v5i0.1034

Keywords: breadfruit leaves, saliva pH, plaque score

Abstract

Background: One of the main causes of dental caries is the accumulation of dental plaque, a soft, thin biofilm that adheres to tooth surfaces and the gingival margin. Plaque comprises a polysaccharide matrix, microorganisms, enzymes, inorganic substances, epithelial cells, leukocytes, and macrophages. Mechanical and chemical methods, such as using antiseptic mouthwash, can help reduce plaque. Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) leaves contain antibacterial properties and have potential as a natural mouthwash.

Method: This quasi-experimental study involved 30 participants selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via direct clinical examinations, and statistical analysis was conducted using the Paired T-Test.

Result: The average salivary pH before gargling was 6.173, increasing to 6.487 after using boiled breadfruit leaf solution, showing a mean increase of 0.313. The mean dental plaque score before gargling was 2.957, which significantly decreased to 1.513 after the intervention—a reduction of 1.443. Statistical tests indicated significant differences between pre- and post-gargling salivary pH (p = 0.027) and plaque scores (p = 0.000).

Conclusion: Gargling with a boiled breadfruit leaf solution significantly reduced plaque scores and moderately increased salivary pH. The intervention proved more effective in lowering plaque levels than altering salivary pH, suggesting that breadfruit leaf mouthwash may be a promising natural alternative for oral hygiene maintenance, particularly among staff at the Kerinjing Health Center, Ogan Ilir Regency.