Gargling Effect of Zamzam Water on Salivary pH

Abstract

Caries is a multifactorial infection disease that happened during the decrease of salivary pH caused by acids from bacterial metabolism. Bicarbonate is an important buffer component in saliva that can help neutralize salivary pH. Zamzam water has high bicarbonate content. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of gargled with Zamzam water on salivary pH. This experimental research was done with pre-test and post-test control group design involving 40 dentistry students at the University of Sriwijaya aged 18-23 years old, with DMF-T score ≤3. Samples were divided into 2 groups, the Zamzam water group, and thedistilled water group. Samples gargled their mouth with 10 ml of a 25% sucrose solution for one minute, then saliva was collected with spitting method and salivary pH was measured with digital pH meter and recorded as initial pH. Samples then gargledwith 20 ml of Zamzam water or distilled water according to each group for one minute, then saliva was collected in the same way as before, and pH was measured and recorded as final pH. Data were analyzed with paired t-test and Mann-Whitney. The result showed that salivary pH increased significantly after gargled with Zamzam water (p0,05). The mean difference of salivary pH aftergargled with Zamzam water was statistically higher than distilled water (p0,05). In conclusion, Gargled with Zamzam water can increase salivary pH.