THE EFFECTIVENESS OF KETAPANG LEAF (Terminalia Catappa L.) INFUSION AS A DENTURE CLEANSER FOR HEAT-CURED ACRYLIC RESIN DENTURES IN INHIBITING CANDIDA ALBICANS GROWTH

Abstract

Tooth loss can be managed using removable dentures. However, heat-cured acrylic resin, a material commonly used for denture bases, has a porous structure that promotes the growth of Candida albicans. One method of maintenance involves soaking dentures in a cleansing solution to inhibit fungal growth. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ketapang leaf infusion (Terminalia catappa L.) as a denture cleanser in inhibiting Candida albicans growth. This was a true experimental post-test-only control group design involving 30 heat-cured acrylic resin specimens contaminated with Candida albicans. The specimens were divided into five groups: a positive control group (0.5% sodium hypochlorite), a negative control group (sterile distilled water), and three experimental groups treated with ketapang leaf infusion at concentrations of 30%, 60%, and 90%. Each specimen was soaked in the respective solution for 15 minutes and subsequently cultured to determine fungal colony counts. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the infusion groups and the negative control group (p < 0.05). The 30% concentration group had the lowest fungal count, whereas the 90% concentration group had the highest. It can be concluded that ketapang (Terminalia catappa L.) leaf infusion is effective in inhibiting Candida albicans growth on heat-cured acrylic resin, with 30% being the most effective concentration.