The Effects of Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Mouthwash on Oral Cavity Environmental Alterations (Salivary pH and Plaque Index)

Abstract

Mouthwash is an additional mechanical oral cavity cleaning method which is known to reduce oral bacterias that causes plaque build ups. Mouthwash may and may not contain alcohol. The objective of this study was to determine the alterations on the oral cavity environment (salivary pH and plaque index) before and after gargling with alcohol and non-alcohol mouthwash, and to analyze which of the mouthwash is more effective. This study was an experimental study with one group pre test and post test experimental design. The subject of this study was 16 of University of Sumatera Utara’s female undergraduates whose age ranges from 18–23 years old and accorded to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were divided in two groups, subjects were instructed to used the mouthwash twice a day for seven days, then salivary pH and plaque index were measured at third and seventh day of used. Repeated Annova test results shown a significant decreas on salivary pH and plaque index after gargled with mouthwash containing alcohol, in the non-alcohol mouthwash there was a significant decreased in plaque index but none on the salivary pH. Dependent T-test results shown that there were no difference in salivary pH and plaque index after gargled with alcohol containing and non-alcohol mouthwash. This study shows that non-alcohol mouthwash is better because there were a significant decrease in plaque index, without caused significant decreases in pH scores.