The Effects of Pineapple Extract Toothpaste (Ananas comosus L.Merr) on Saliva Flow Rate

Abstract

Women in the menopause period experience biological changes, decreased production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth). Dry mouth treatment can be carried out using mechanical and chemical stimuli. Citric acid stimulation is one way to increase the flow rate of saliva. Pineapple contains a high amount of citric acid. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of toothpaste with pineapple extract, which increasing salivary flow rate in women in menopause period at the Integrated Health Center (Posyandu) for elderly in Baso Health Center. This type of experimental research using pretest-posttest control group design and the sample selection was taken by simple random sampling with a lottery technique. The number of samples was 32 people who were divided into two groups, namely the treatment group and the control group. Saliva was collected before and after treatment into the saliva pot for 5 minutes using the spitting method. Data analysis using paired T test and unpaired T test. The results showed that there was an increase in salivary flow rate with the use of pineapple extract toothpaste 50% of 1.651 ml/minute and with fluoride toothpaste. 1,170 ml/minute. There is an effect of brushing teeth with pineapple extract toothpaste on the salivary flow rate with a significance value of p = 0.000 <0.05. Pineapple extract toothpaste can be used as an alternative treatment for xerostomia for women in menopause period.