Differences in the Effectiveness of Herbal, Betel Leaves, and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Plaque Reduction in Orphanage Children

Betel leaves, herbal (betel leaves, aloe vera, lime extracts) and chlorhexidine mouthwash could help reducing plaque on the tooth surface. This study aimed to determine the differences in the effectiveness of betel leaves, herbal and chlorhexidine mouthwash againts plaque index decreased in orphanage children. Quasi-experimental research method was performed on 300 orphans consist of 160 boys and140 girls aged between 11 and 14 years from 10 orpahanages in Bandung, West Java Province. The three hundred children were divided into two group, 150 people in each group. Group 1 rinsed with betel leaves mouthwash and group 2 rinsed with chlorhexidine. One week later, both groups were give different mouth rinse. Group 1 rinsed with herbal mouthwash. Group 2 rinsed with placebo moutwash. Rinsing was done twice a day for 5 days. Plaque index scores were recorded daily. The results showed all three mouthwash equally effective in lowering plaque over a period of 5 days. There are significant differences among the three mouthwashes (P