Potential Use of Angsana Latex (Pterocarpus Indiscus) As an Alternative Mouthwash for Dental Cavities
Abstract
Wimmy Safaati Utsani
Mouthwash is a chemical substance to inhibit plaque and caries formation. One of the most widely used mouthwashes is chlorhexidine but these mouthwashes has side effects on long-term use, for example changes of dental color, restorations and mucous membranes, increased calculus formation, taste disorder, burning sensation and mucosal irritation. Alternative mouthwash to replace chlorhexidine is a material that has antibacterial effect without side effects is angsana latex. The aim of the present review was to discuss potential use of Pterocarpus indiscus’s flavonoid as an alternative anticaries mouthwash and looking at the possibility of its usage in mouthwash. Caries is a breakdown of teeth that is enamel, dentine and cementum caused by the activity of oral flora bacteria present in a carbohydrate that can be distributed. Angsana latex (Pterocarpus indiscus) has antibacterial effect because it contains phenol, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids and tanninalkaloids. Flavonoids work as antibacterial by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial nucleic acids and are able to inhibit bacterial motility. Angsana latex is easy to find, easy to manufacture and it is a mild antibacterial that is beneficial for long-term use. Regarding its beneficial effect and safety of angsana latex, it could be proposed as an ideal long term use mouthwash