The Effect of Mouth Rinsing with Brewed Peppermint Tea (Mentha Piperita L.) on Salivary Acidity (PH)

Backgrounds: The use of natural ingredients as mouthwash offers a safe and effective alternative to improve oral cavity hygiene. One of the widely used plants is peppermint. Peppermint tea leaves (Mentha piperita L.) contain active compounds with antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the number of plaque-causing bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans. The main compounds in peppermint tea leaves, such as menthol, provide a fresh aroma and also have antimicrobial effects beneficial for oral cavity health. Objectives: This study aims to explain the effect of gargling with peppermint tea infusion on the acidity (pH) level of saliva. Methods: In this study, the type of research used is clinical experimental with a Pretest-Posttest Design with Control Group. Data normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by statistical tests using the Paired T-test and the Independent T-Test. Results: The statistical test results showed an increase in saliva pH (P=0.000) after gargling with peppermint tea infusion. Conclusion: Peppermint tea infusion (Mentha piperita L.) can increase salivary pH.