ECO-FRIENDLY EFFECTS OF ROOIBOS TEA (ASPALATHUS LINEARIS) RINSE ON SALIVA PH AND ORAL HEALTH

Bacteria in the formation of dental caries are affected by saliva and its pH level occupy an important place. Another promiscuous consequence of low salivary pH is dental caries, an increase in the pH can ideally be produced by gargling. Because mouthwash now contains natural substances, rooibos tea or Aspalathus linearis, is one of the most preferred mouthwash. Aspalathus linearis is caffeine free, is low in tannins, is fortified with antioxidants besides having fluoride content in it; and has E6CG which may promote enhanced flow of saliva leading to raised saliva pH level. This research aimed to examine the effect of gargling Aspalathus linearis on salivary pH changes. An experimental pretest-posttest control group design was employed with two treatments: The two are Aspalathus linearis and aquades (distilled water). Paired Sample T-Test and Independent T-Test were used for data analysis. The study found that rinsing with Aspalathus linearis resulted in a significant increase in salivary pH levels, indicating its potential in promoting a less acidic oral environment. However, when compared to rinsing with aquades. This suggests that while rooibos tea can positively influence salivary pH, its effectiveness may not differ significantly from that of plain water in this context.