Perbandingan Daya Hambat Klorheksidin dengan Ekstrak Etanol Daun Afrika (Vernonia Amygdalina) Terhadap Jumlah Bakteri Streptococcus Mutans pada Braket Ortodonti Stainless Steel

Abstract

White Spot Lesion is one of the effects of using fixed orthodontic appliances. One common method used to prevent the occurrence of White Spot Lesion is rinsing with chlorhexidine. However, rinsing with chlorhexidine can cause side effects such as tooth discoloration and disturbances in the sense of taste. The aim of this study was to determine the comparative inhibitory effect of chlorhexidine and African leaf ethanol extract on the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. This research was a laboratory experimental study using a posttest-only control group design. The research samples were 25 stainless steel Edgewise 0.022-inch brackets from incisor teeth. The samples were divided into five groups: brackets soaked in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 0.2% chlorhexidine, African leaf ethanol extract at concentrations of 1.56 mg/ml, 3.125 mg/ml, and 6.25 mg/ml. The samples were contaminated with a Streptococcus mutans bacterial suspension for 24 hours, then soaked in dimethyl sulfoxide, 0.2% chlorhexidine, and African leaf ethanol extract at the concentrations for 1 hour. The number of bacterial colonies was counted using the Total Plate Count method. The results showed that African leaf ethanol extract at 3.125 mg/ml was able to inhibit Streptococcus mutans, and at 6.25 mg/ml, its inhibitory effect was equivalent to that of 0.2% chlorhexidine in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans.