The effectiveness of red pomegranate (punica granatum linn) extract mouthwash against the number of oral bacteria colony

Introduction: The percentage of Indonesian population experiencing oral and dental diseases based on the 2007 and 2013 RISKESDAS data, rise from 23.2% to 25.9%. People need to maintain healthy teeth and mouth by brushing their teeth and using mouthwash. Chlorhexidine is mouthwash that has been proven to be effective in reducing the number of plaque microorganisms attached to teeth and oral mucosa, but its long-term use can cause tooth stain, allergies, tissue desquamation and resistance. Red pomegranate can be used as an alternative because it contains flavonoids and tannins which are thought to have antibacterial ability. Therefore, this study aims to prove that red pomegranate extract mouthwash can reduce the number of oral bacteria colonies. Methods: 25 subjects were divided into 5 groups, namely K1: Gargle aquades; K2: Chlorhexidine mouth rinse; K3, K4, K5 each rinse with 0.02%, 0.2% and 2% red pomegranate extract mouthwash. Saliva is collected before and after gargling, then planted in Petri dish using BHIA media with a spread plate method. Calculation of the amount of bacterial colony done 24 hours after the media was incubated. Counting the number of bacterial colonies using a colony counter. Data were analyzed by Anova and LSD tests. Result: There were significant difference between all group on decreased of number of oral bacteria colony (p= 0.00). Conclusion: Red pomegranate extract mouthwash effective decreased of number of oral bacteria colony and the most effective was 2% concentration.