Denta: Jurnal Kedokteran Gigi

Antibacterial Activity Test of Ethyl Asetate Fraction of Gletang Growth (Tridax procumbens L.) on The Growth of Enterococcus faecalis

Widyawati — 2026-02-18

Background: Intractable root canal infection remains a serious obstacle in endodontic therapy and is a frequent cause of treatment failure, with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) as a key pathogen. This Gram-positive bacterium can persist under harsh conditions within the root canal system. Chlorhexidine is commonly used as a chemical irrigant, but its long-term application is associated with undesirable side effects, prompting the search for natural antibacterial alternatives. One promising candidate is the gletang plant (Tridax procumbens L.), which contains bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial effects. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the ethyl acetate fraction of Tridax procumbens L. at various concentrations against E. faecalis. Method: A laboratory experimental design with post test only control group was used. Antibacterial testing was performed using the agar diffusion method with the gletang ethyl acetate fraction at 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, chlorhexidine as a positive control, and 96% methanol as a negative control. Data were analyzed univariately in tables and bivariately using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Results: The fraction inhibited E. faecalis growth, with the largest mean inhibition zone of 3.6 mm at 8% and the smallest at 2%, 1.6 mm. Overall activity across all concentrations was classified as weak; however, statistical analysis (p=0.003, p<0.05) confirmed a significant inhibitory effect. Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of the gletang plant (Tridax procumbens L.) at 8% is effective as an antibacterial against Enterococcus faecalis, with an average inhibition zone diameter close to that of the positive control. The higher the concentration of the ethyl acetate fraction, the higher the bacterial inhibition.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Essential Oil as an Antibacterial Agent and Dental Caries Prevention

Moh. Basroni Rizal — 2026-02-18

Background: The prevalence of dental caries in Indonesia reaches 88.8%. Chlorhexidine, although effective, has side effects such as tooth discoloration. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is rich in cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, with antibacterial activity that makes it a natural alternative. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil against Streptococcus mutans inoculated in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) in preventing dental caries. Method: This study used 20 male Wistar rats, divided into five groups: negative control, positive control, and three treatment groups with Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil concentrations of 6.25%, 10%, and 12.5%. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) was inoculated orally in 0.2 ml using a pipette for three consecutive days. During the study, rats were fed a diet mixed with a sucrose solution (600 mg of sucrose dissolved in 1 liter of Aquadest) at a 1:500 ml-to-pellet ratio to induce caries. After 20 days of treatment, data were collected using a bacterial inhibitory zone assay by disk diffusion and salivary pH measurement. Data analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tamhane’s post-hoc test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: One-way ANOVA test showed no significant differences in the inhibitory zone (p>0.05). Post-hoc tests showed that all groups were not significant (p>0.05). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed significant differences in salivary pH before and after treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil has potential as an antibacterial agent and natural alternative in preventing dental caries against S. mutans, and is able to change the salivary pH to alkaline.

Enhancing Dental Health Knowledge Through The Combination of Storytelling and Interactive Activities at TK Sepuluh November

Aulia Dwi Maharani — 2026-02-18

Background: Dental health in preschool children is an important aspect that should be introduced early. However, cognitive limitations and short attention spans at this age require educational methods appropriate to their developmental stage. Pojok Sikat Gigi is an activity that consists of various health promotion and preventive strategies carried out at TK Sepuluh November Surabaya, targeting teachers, parents, and students. One strategy is dental health education through storytelling, using hand puppets and interactive activities.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of dental health education with storytelling and interactive activities on improving preschool students’ knowledge of dental health.

Method: 34 students aged between 5-7 were the sample in this research. This was a pre-experimental research with a pre- and post-test design. The pretest score was measured through a Q&A session before education. The posttest score was measured by asking students to write down their answers on a piece of paper, guided by the researcher who read the same questions. The pre- and post-test knowledge scores were compared using the Wilcoxon statistical test to assess whether there was a significant difference after the educational intervention.

Results: The mean pretest score was 2.24, and the posttest score was 5 (maximum score was 5). The Wilcoxon test value was sig=0.00<0.05, meaning that there was a significant difference between the scores before and after education.

Conclusion: The storytelling method and interactive activities are effective in improving preschool students’ knowledge of dental health.

Oral Health Care Management in Atypical Oral and Cutaneous Bullous Pemphigoid

Kharinna Widowati — 2026-02-18

Background: Bullous Pemphigoid (BP) is the most common subepidermal bullous autoimmune disease, typically presenting as tense bullae. Atypical presentations of bullous pemphigoid often mimic TEN or impetigo, creating diagnostic ambiguity. Effective management of these cases requires integrated strategies to address systemic health factors and extensive oral mucosal involvement. Objective: This report highlights the Oral Health Care Management of atypical oral and cutaneous manifestations of Bullous Pemphigoid. Case: A 58-year-old woman with a history of Diabetes Mellitus and heart disease was referred with extensive bullae, erosions, and "honey-like" crusts involving over 30% of her body surface area. Her condition worsened despite two weeks of treatment with acyclovir, which was administered for suspected herpes. The presentation was highly suggestive of TEN and impetigo. Case Management: Management of the oral and perioral lesions focused on infection prevention and pain relief. Debridement was performed using sterile gauze soaked in normal saline and 0.2% chlorhexidine. This was followed by the application of Aloevera extract gel/spray. Comprehensive systemic therapy, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, was coordinated by a multidisciplinary team to control the autoimmune disease and its comorbidities. Conclusion: The presence of comorbidities, such as diabetes, further complicates systemic management and heightens the risk of secondary infections, requiring meticulous wound care. A multidisciplinary diagnostic algorithm, supported by supplementary examinations, is crucial for differentiating atypical BP from TEN and impetigo infection. Adequate management of associated oral and perioral manifestations is an integral component of comprehensive patient care.

Physical Characterization of Micro-Porosity in Decellularized Gambier Leaf for Potential Use as a Plant-Based Scaffold

Syarinta Adenina — 2026-02-18

Background: Scaffolds represent biomaterials designed to provide structural support for cellular adhesion and growth factor sequestration, emulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote tissue regeneration. Plant-based tissues have garnered attention as viable scaffold alternatives owing to their architectural homology with human extracellular structures. Gambier leaves (Uncaria gambir) stand out for their inherent porous, trabecular morphology, where microporosity is pivotal in facilitating cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Objective: This study aims to elucidate the microporous characteristics of decellularized gambier leaves via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Method: Fresh leaves were meticulously cleaned, cryopreserved at −20°C, and fashioned into five circular discs employing a biopsy punch. Decellularization entailed submersion in 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for five days, succeeded by distilled water lavage. Subsequent cyclic treatment with Tween-20 and NaClO solutions, applied every 24 hours, continued until optical translucency was achieved. Processed tissues underwent thorough washing, overnight fixation, serial ethanol dehydration, hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) treatment, 50 nm gold sputter-coating, and SEM evaluation across three magnifications. Results: Microscopy revealed surface wrinkling and partial architectural collapse in multiple specimens, likely due to dehydration-induced artifacts. Conversely, a single intact sample exhibited pronounced microporosity, as evidenced by pore diameters of 0.689 µm and 0.5512 µm. Conclusion: These observations affirm the microporous potential of decellularized gambier leaves for cellular anchorage and nutrient permeation, bolstering their candidacy as plant-derived scaffolds in tissue engineering. Nonetheless, inter-sample variability underscores the need for refined decellularization/dehydration methods and expanded quantitative assessments to ensure reproducible structural integrity.

Saliva Accuracy Analysis as a Non-Invasive Method for Determining Blood Type

Dwi Sinta Maharani — 2026-02-18

Background: A phobia is an excessive, irrational, and persistent fear of something that makes it difficult for someone to carry out certain activities. Psychological disorders, such as a phobia of blood and injections, indicate the need for forensic identification methods that do not require blood samples. Blood type identification plays an important role in forensic cases, especially in matching the blood type of the evidence of victims or perpetrators. Objective: To analyze the accuracy of saliva as a noninvasive method for determining blood type in students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Baiturrahmah University, class of 2021. Method: This was a quantitative observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design. The study population comprised 80 students selected using a simple random sampling technique. Saliva samples were analyzed using the absorption inhibition method and compared with available blood type data. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, and Fisher's exact test was performed as an alternative to the chi-square test. Results: Blood types A, B, and AB have 100% compatibility in secretor individuals, while blood type O has 0% compatibility because there are no antigens A and B in the saliva. Statistical tests showed a significant level of accuracy between blood type examination through saliva and blood type in the data (p=0.000). Conclusion: Overall, saliva blood type examination has the same level of accuracy as the conventional method.

Smart Odontogram on Preventive Dentistry: A Managerial and Policy Review at Nala Husada Dental Hospital Surabaya

Caecilia Indarti — 2026-02-18

Background: Digital transformation in dental healthcare has brought forward Smart Odontogram systems that offer structured, electronic, and real-time documentation of dental conditions. This tool is particularly valuable for early detection, monitoring, and prevention of oral diseases. However, its success relies heavily on management readiness and policy. Objective: This study aimed to review the implementation of the Smart Odontogram application from a managerial and policy perspective in supporting preventive dentistry. Methods: This study used a mixed-methods approach. The sample consisted of 12 selected individuals using purposive sampling. Inclusion criterion was involvement in Smart Odontogram implementation for at least six months. Primary data were obtained from interviews and questionnaires, focusing on organizational readiness, human resource competency and training, and managerial challenges and policies. Results: The hospital management has implemented both the hardware and software of Smart Odontogram, but not much (33.3%) integrated with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. Only one participant reported a lack of mentoring (8,3%), and only a few received basic training on Smart Odontogram (16,7%). Only one experienced an oversight of data input (8,3%), and a few reported about the lack of quality of data system control (16,7%). Most participants considered Smart Odontogram to be a significant support of preventive dentistry, particularly in the early identification of caries and periodontal diseases (83,3%). Conclusion: The implementation of Smart Odontogram, supported by sound managerial strategies and policies, significantly enhanced preventive dentistry at Nala Husada Dental Hospital.

Tobacco Leaf Extract as Denture Cleaning Paste on Transverse Strength of Heat-Cured Acrylic Resin Dentures

Diah Ayu Lestari — 2026-02-18

Background: Removable dentures are prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. Acrylic resin is the most commonly used material for denture base fabrication. Plaque accumulation on improperly cleaned denture bases can lead to denture-associated stomatitis. Tobacco leaves have potential as a denture cleaning paste due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, their phenol content may degrade polymer bonds and reduce the transverse strength of heat-cured acrylic resins. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of using 25% and 50% tobacco leaf (Nicotiana tabacum L.) extract paste as a denture cleaning agent on the transverse strength of heat-cured acrylic resin. Method: This study used an experimental laboratory design with a post-test-only control group. Thirty rectangular block-shaped samples (60x12x3 mm) were divided into one control group (K) and two treatment groups (n=10), which were brushed with 25% (T1) and 50% tobacco leaf extract paste (T2), respectively, for 28.2 minutes. Transverse strength was tested using a universal testing machine with the three-point bending test method. Results: The transverse strengths of groups K (126.926 MPa), T1 (103.136 MPa), and T2 (83.001 MPa) were determined. The parametric test results indicated significant differences between groups K and T2 (p=0.001) and between T1 and T2 (p<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between groups K and T1 (p=0.052). Conclusion: This study found a decrease in the transverse strength of heat-cured acrylic resin after brushing with tobacco leaf extract paste.