| dc.description.abstract | Fixed orthodontic appliance users often struggle to maintain optimal oral hygiene, which can lead to an increase in Streptococcus mutans, a major bacterium responsible for dental caries. Prevention can be achieved using natural mouthwash, such as green betel leaf (Piper betle Linn). This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial effectiveness of green betel leaf-based mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans ATCC® 25175TM on stainless steel orthodontic wires. The study consisted of five groups: green betel leaf mouthwash at concentrations of 5%, 6%, and 7%; a positive control group using 0.2% chlorhexidine; and a negative control group using distilled water. The mouthwash from green betel leaf (Piper betle Linn) was prepared at concentrations of 5%, 6%, and 7%. Subsequently, an antibacterial test was conducted on wires contaminated with Streptococcus mutans using the Total Plate Count (TPC) method. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA. The mean colony count of Streptococcus mutans in the green betel leaf (Piper betle Linn) mouthwash group at a 5% concentration was 129.40±10.18 CFU/ml, at a 6% concentration was 112.20±7.22 CFU/ml, and at a 7% concentration was 48.00±14.431 CFU/ml, no Streptococcus mutans colonies were found in the positive control group (0.2% chlorhexidine), while the mean colony count in the negative control group (distilled water) was 203.20±27.03 CFU/ml. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference among all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Based on the study results, it can be concluded that green betel leaf mouthwash (Piper betle Linn) exhibits antibacterial effectiveness against Streptococcus mutans. | en_US |
