The Effect of Herbal Mouthwash against Halitosis in Elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Elderly generally experience a decreased in the level of oral hygiene, number of teeth, mucosal sensitivity of the oral cavity and xerostomia. Xerostomia can cause halitosis. One of halitosis therapy is by using herbal mouthwash (betel leaf). Betel leaf has an antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal ability. The purpose of this study was to provide information on the benefits of herbal mouthwash on decreasing halitosis score in elderly. Methods: This was a clinical experimental research with cross sectional approach. Spearman correlation test was used to determine the effect of herbal mouthwash on decreasing halitosis scores. The numbers of subject were 30 and obtained by quota sampling. Data collection was done by measuring initial and final halitosis score after rinsing with herbal mouthwash, using Tanita breath checker. Tanita breath checker is an innovative palm-sized monitor that can detect and measure the presence of volatile sulfur compound (VSC) by displaying 6 levels of halitosis. Results: The result showed a decrease in halitosis score before and after rinsing with herbal mouthwash (betel leaf). A significant decrease in the halitosis score is indicated by the p=0,000 obtained from the results of the Spearman correlation test. There was a significant decrease in the halitosis score after rinsing with herbal mouthwash. Conclusion: The present study showed that the decrease in halitosis score is due to the betel leaf containing essential oils. The main component of essential oils consists of phenols and their derivative compounds, namely kavikol. Thus, betel leaf was able to fight gram-positive and gram-negative bactera, so that it can be used to treat halitosis in elderly.