THE EFFECT OF A DECOCTION OF STAR FRUIT LEAVES (AVERRRHOA BILIMBI LINN) ON SALIVA pH

Abstract

Caries is characterized by the demineralization of enamel and dentin minerals, followed by the destruction of organic materials. Efforts that can be made to prevent tooth decay include consuming foods that contain flavonoids which are antioxidants. The pharmacological content of star fruit leaves are flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and potassium citrate. This study aims to determine the effect before and after gargling using a decoction of star fruit leaves (Averrhoa bilimbi linn). This study used quasi-experimental research with a pre-test and post-test design with a one-group design, with a sample of 37 elementary school students. Respondents were instructed to gargle using mineral water to neutralize the pH of saliva in the oral cavity, then respondents were checked for salivary pH and instructed to rinse their mouth using a decoction of star fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi linn). Then the respondent re-examined the pH of the saliva in the oral cavity. The results of the paired sample t-test analysis showed that the significance value of the p-value was 0.001, indicating that there was a significant effect on the average salivary pH before and after gargling using a decoction of star fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi linn).