The Importance of Saliva in Oral Health

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 29 views

Effectiveness of Antioxidants of Mouthwash Extracts of Guava Leaf Extract (Psidium Guajava L) to Increased PH, Flow Rate, and Salivary Volume in Young and Manula Adult Subjects

Introduction

Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and overall well-being. It not only cleanses and moisturizes the oral mucosa but also aids in pronunciation and swallowing. Moreover, saliva acts as a protector against bacteria in the oral cavity. However, decreased salivary secretion can occur in both young adults and elderly individuals, leading to various oral health issues. In Indonesia, where herbal plants are abundant, guava leaves (Psidium Guajava L) have been identified as a potential alternative to traditional antiseptic mouthwashes containing alcohol. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mouthwash preparations based on guava leaf extract in increasing pH, flow rate, and salivary volume.

The Importance of Saliva in Oral Health

Saliva is a vital component of oral health, and its production is influenced by various factors, including the speed of production, microorganisms in the oral cavity, and supporting capacity. Decreased salivary secretion can lead to oral health issues such as dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease. In elderly individuals, decreased salivary secretion is often caused by aging factors, while in young adults, it can be caused by various factors such as stress, medication, or underlying medical conditions.

Guava Leaf Extract as a Natural Alternative

Guava leaves (Psidium Guajava L) are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used in various cultures for their medicinal properties. The high antioxidant content in guava leaves makes them an attractive alternative to traditional antiseptic mouthwashes containing alcohol. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mouthwash preparations based on guava leaf extract in increasing pH, flow rate, and salivary volume.

Research Methods

The study was conducted in several stages. First, guava leaf extract was obtained in accordance with the standards of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, including testing water content, water-soluble extracts, ethanol-soluble extracts, and total ash analysis and insoluble ash. Furthermore, phytochemical screening was carried out to identify content such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and triterpenes/steroids.

The antioxidant activity of guava leaf extract was tested using the DPPH method (1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl). Characteristics of mouthwash were tested using a pH meter and a viscometer. The hedonic test involved 20 panelists to assess the color, taste, and aroma of the product. Then, a clinical trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the 3.5% mouthwash for guava leaf extract with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate. As many as 40 subjects made the mouth use twice a day for 14 days with measurements made on days 1, 3, 7, and 14.

RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

The test results showed that the pH value of the Mouthwash of the Guava Leaf Extract was 3.5% in the range of 6.3 to 6.4 with a viscosity of 5.6%. The hedonic test shows that panelists prefer the mouthwash of guava leaf extract compared to other products in terms of taste, color, and aroma. From clinical trials, it is proven that there is a significant increase in pH, flow rate, and salivary volume in groups that use the mouthwash of guava leaf extract compared to groups that use gluconate chlorhexidous.

Statistical analysis using Anova Repeated Measure shows a significant difference between the two groups, with a significance value (GIS) of 0.000, which is smaller than 0.05. This emphasized that both the bright mouth of the guava leaf extract 3.5% and the chlorhexidine gluconate is effective in increasing the pH, flow rate, and the volume of saliva, both in young and elderly adults. However, the advantage of the mouthwash of the guava leaf extract is because it does not contain alcohol, making it a safer choice for use.

Conclusion

This study shows that the mouthwash based on guava leaf extract is effective in increasing the pH, flow rate, and salivary volume in young adults and seniors. With its natural and safe excellence, the use of guava leaf extract can be an interesting alternative in maintaining oral health. This confirms the importance of utilizing Indonesia's natural resources in the health sector and maintaining oral health balance.

Future Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research on the use of guava leaf extract in oral health. Future studies can explore the long-term effects of using guava leaf extract mouthwash and its potential benefits in preventing oral health issues. Additionally, the study can be replicated in different populations to confirm its effectiveness.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a controlled environment. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and conduct the study in a more diverse population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of mouthwash preparations based on guava leaf extract in increasing pH, flow rate, and salivary volume in young adults and seniors. The natural and safe excellence of guava leaf extract makes it an attractive alternative to traditional antiseptic mouthwashes containing alcohol. This study provides a foundation for further research on the use of guava leaf extract in oral health and highlights the importance of utilizing Indonesia's natural resources in the health sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effectiveness of Antioxidants of Mouthwash Extracts of Guava Leaf Extract (Psidium Guajava L)

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of mouthwash preparations based on guava leaf extract in increasing pH, flow rate, and salivary volume in young adults and seniors.

Q: What are the benefits of using guava leaf extract mouthwash?

A: Guava leaf extract mouthwash has several benefits, including:

Increasing pH, flow rate, and salivary volume
Being a natural and safe alternative to traditional antiseptic mouthwashes containing alcohol
Having antioxidant properties that can help protect against oral health issues

Q: How was the guava leaf extract obtained?

A: The guava leaf extract was obtained in accordance with the standards of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, including testing water content, water-soluble extracts, ethanol-soluble extracts, and total ash analysis and insoluble ash.

Q: What was the method used to test the antioxidant activity of guava leaf extract?

A: The antioxidant activity of guava leaf extract was tested using the DPPH method (1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl).

Q: How was the clinical trial conducted?

A: The clinical trial was conducted with 40 subjects who used the mouthwash twice a day for 14 days. Measurements were made on days 1, 3, 7, and 14.

Q: What were the results of the clinical trial?

A: The results showed that there was a significant increase in pH, flow rate, and salivary volume in groups that used the mouthwash of guava leaf extract compared to groups that used gluconate chlorhexidous.

Q: What is the significance of the results?

A: The results emphasize that both the bright mouth of the guava leaf extract 3.5% and the chlorhexidine gluconate is effective in increasing the pH, flow rate, and the volume of saliva, both in young and elderly adults. However, the advantage of the mouthwash of the guava leaf extract is because it does not contain alcohol, making it a safer choice for use.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and the study being conducted in a controlled environment.

Q: What are the future directions for this study?

A: Future studies can explore the long-term effects of using guava leaf extract mouthwash and its potential benefits in preventing oral health issues. Additionally, the study can be replicated in different populations to confirm its effectiveness.

Q: Can guava leaf extract mouthwash be used by everyone?

A: Guava leaf extract mouthwash is generally safe for use by most people. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new product, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications.

Q: How can I get guava leaf extract mouthwash?

A: Guava leaf extract mouthwash is not yet commercially available. However, you can try making your own guava leaf extract mouthwash at home by infusing guava leaves in water and then straining the mixture. You can also consult with a healthcare professional or a pharmacist for guidance on how to obtain guava leaf extract mouthwash.

Q: What are the potential side effects of using guava leaf extract mouthwash?

A: Guava leaf extract mouthwash is generally safe for use. However, some people may experience side effects such as:

Allergic reactions
Stomach upset
Diarrhea

If you experience any of these side effects, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

Q: Can guava leaf extract mouthwash be used in combination with other oral health products?

A: Guava leaf extract mouthwash can be used in combination with other oral health products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a pharmacist before using any new product, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications.