The effectiveness of watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus Var. Lanatus) consumption and mouthwash use on plaque index and salivary pH in children aged 6-12 years: Efektivitas konsumsi buah semangka (Citrullus Lanatus Var. Lanatus) dan penggunaan obat kumur terhadap indeks plak dan pH saliva pada anak usia 6-12 tahun

Yayah Inayah (Departemen Kedokteran Gigi Anak, Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)
Fajriani (Departemen Kedokteran Gigi Anak, Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)
Andi Sri Permatasari (Departemen Kedokteran Gigi Anak, Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)
Raniah Khairunnisa Arfan (Mahasiswa Preklinik Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia)

MDJ (Makassar Dental Journal)
Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026): Volume 15 Issue 2 August 2026

Dental caries is a problem that requires special attention, particularly among primary school children aged 6–12 years. Chemical control of caries using mouthwash and natural control can be achieved by consuming watermelon. This study explored the effectiveness of watermelon consumption and mouth-wash on plaque index and changes in saliva pH in children aged 6–12 years. A true experimental study with a pre-test post-test two-group design was conducted using a sample of 60 children aged 6–12 years at Baraya State Primary School, divided into two groups: watermelon and mouthwash. Plaque index and saliva pH were measured using the PHP-M plaque index and pH strips. A paired t-test showed a significant difference in plaque index in children aged 6–12 years before and after consuming watermelon and mouthwash. A Friedman test showed a significant difference in saliva pH in children aged 6–12 years before and after consuming watermelon and mouthwash. It was concluded that watermelon and mouthwash are effective in reducing plaque index and increasing saliva pH in children aged 6–12 years.