| dc.description.abstract | The installation of fixed orthodontic appliances may alter the bacterial count in saliva and elevate Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances require additional chemical agents, such as mouthwash, to inhibits bacterial growth. Ant's nest tuber (Myrmecodia pendans) holds the potential to serve as the base for herbal mouthwash due to its antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, with minimal negative impacts on orthodontic components. This study aims to analyze the antibacterial activity of ant's nest tuber extract (Myrmecodia pendans) mouthwash in reducing the number of Staphylococcus aureus colonies with varying the durations of contact time. The study sample comprised of 45 Ormco 0,22-inch slot edgewise metal brackets for incisor, treated with mouthwash containing ant's nest tuber extract (Myrmecodia pendans) at concentrations of 0,8%, 1,6%, and 3,2%, chlorhexidine 0,2%, and artificial saliva for contact durations of 10, 30, and 60 seconds. The study results indicate that the mean colony count (CFUs/mL) of Staphylococcus aureus was 600,13±252,96 at 10 seconds contact time, 463,87±309,89 at 30 seconds contact time, and 359,73±362,56 at 60 seconds contact time. The findings demonstrate a decrease in the colony count of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria with increasing contact time, with 1.6% concentration being the most optimal, particularly at 60 seconds contact time. | en_US |
