Streptococcus Mutans Colonies on Plaque of Fixed Orthodontic Users after Gargling with Black Tea (Camellia Sinensis)

Background and aim: Black tea contains catechin compounds that inhibit bacterial attachment to the enamel. One of the caries-causing pathogenic microbes found in the plaque of fixed orthodontic users is Streptococcus mutans. This study aims at determining the difference in the number of Streptococcus Mutans colonies in the plaque of fixed orthodontic users after being given black tea.
Material and methods: It is an experimental laboratory study with a pretest-posttest control group design. The sample consisted of 12 YARSI University students using fixed orthodontics, divided into two groups. The intervention group was given 2% black tea as a mouthwash, and the control group was only given distilled water for gargling. Samples in the form of plaque smears on several parts of the teeth were taken the day before treatment, on day 14, and on day 21 to see the number of bacterial colonies by direct counting method at YARSI University Microbiology Laboratory. Research samples were also calculated as plaque index before and after gargling.
Results: This study showed a significant decrease in treatment colonies. The p-value = 0.0001 was obtained. It shows a significant difference in 2% black tea on the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. There was also a significant difference in score plaque index before and after gargling, p = 0.004 (p <0.05).
Conclusions: Gargling with black tea effectively reduces the number of Streptococcus Mutans in fixed orthodontic users.