Modification of Fast Release Fluoride Varnish by Addition of Plant-Based Extracts as Antibacterial Agents

Caries is an infection that destroys teeth structure and is caused by the activity of cariogenic bacteria, which are activated by the presence of carbohydrates. In 2018, it is recorded that 93% of children aged 5 to 6 experience caries disease. Topical therapy in the form of fluoride varnish is one of many ways to prevent caries on teeth. It is known that a variety of fluoride varnish with different flavor oil addition also have different fluoride release performance. This research will conduct a study of fluoride varnish formulation using addition of LorAnn Oils flavor oils with the flavors strawberry-kiwi, cinnamon roll, and marshmallow, and also natural antibacterial agents from extracts of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit, betle (Piper crocatum) leaves, and soursop (Annona muricata) leave obtained through maceration to inhibit Streptococcus mutans bacteria with the highest fluoride release rate. Fluoride release test is done in four hours by using fluoride ion selective electrode. Bacterial inhibition test is done by the disc diffusion method on Streptococcus mutans bacteria grown on BHI agar. The best fast release fluoride varnish is the one with an addition of 2% strawberry-kiwi flavor oil and 1 g/L addition of betle leaves extract, with a highest fluoride release at 72,29 mg/L at the fourth hour and an inhibition zone of 3,81 mm against Streptococcus mutans bacteria.