The Effect of Basil Leaf Extract (Ocimum sanctum L) Mouthwash on Gingivitis and Salivary PH in Orphanage Adolescents

According to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), the prevalence of bleeding gums in Central Java reached 5.3%, with the highest rate found among adolescents aged 10–14 years at 6.2%. Gingivitis in adolescents is generally caused by uncleaned plaque and calculus, as well as bacterial activity that lowers salivary pH and promotes the growth of pathogenic bacteria. One preventive effort involves the use of natural mouthwash, such as basil leaves (Ocimum Sanctum L), which contain flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and the ability to stabilize salivary pH. Objective to develop a basil leaf extract (Ocimum Sanctum L) mouthwash as an alternative therapy for gingivitis and salivary pH changes in adolescents living in orphanages. The method used a Quasi-Experimental design with a Pretest-Posttest Control Group. A total of 48 adolescents aged 12–20 years were selected using Purposive Sampling based on the Lameshow formula and divided into four groups, each consisting of 12 participants: intervention with 5% basil leaf extract (X1), 10% basil leaf extract (X2), positive control with Chlorhexidine (C+), and negative control with aquadest (C-). Each group used 10 mL of mouthwash every morning for 30 seconds over 7 consecutive days. Results the use of basil leaf extract mouthwash showed a significant decrease in gingival index scores in both the 5% (p=0.002) and 10% (p=0.000) concentrations, as well as in the Chlorhexidine group (p=0.001). Meanwhile, the aquadest group showed no significant change (p=0.072). However, there was no significant difference in salivary pH changes across all groups. Conclusion basil leaf extract (Ocimum Sanctum L) mouthwash is effective as an alternative therapy for gingivitis compared to chlorhexidine and aquadest. However, it does not significantly affect salivary pH.