Abstract

Harun Achmad, Maria Tanumihardja, Sartini, Sri Ramadhany, Marhamah F. Singgih, Yunita Feby Ramadhany, Nurul Mutmainnah.

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common caries in children. One reason is the bacterium Streptococcus mutans. Choosing the right diet can suppress the growth of Streptococcus mutans. Chitosan is a natural biopolymer from white shrimp waste as an antibacterial and can be combined with food or drinks including chewable lozenges.
Objective: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of chewable lozenges from white shrimp waste (Litopenaeus vannamei) in inhibiting Streptococcus mutans bacteria in ECC cases.
Research Methods: This type of research uses field and laboratory experimental research designs with pretest-posttest control group design. A sample of 30 children consisted of 3 groups, namely 10 children chewing xylitol candy, 10 children chewing chewable lozenges chitosan 2.5%, and 10 children chewing chewable lozenges chitosan 5%. Then, bacterial samples isolated from caries teeth before and after chewing chewable lozenges. Then, counted the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies using the colony counter method with the CFU unit. Data processing and analysis using SPSS version 25.0 for windows.
Results: The paired t-test results showed a significant decrease in the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies before and after chewable lozenges chitosan 2.5%. The average difference between groups before and after treatment of chewable lozenges was -17.9 CFU with a standard deviation of 20.306. The paired t-test results showed a significant decrease in the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies before and after chewable lozenges chitosan 5%. The average difference between groups before and after treatment of chewable lozenges was -15.4 CFU with a standard deviation of 9.24. Data test results obtained p = 0.021 (p <0.05). This shows a significant decrease in the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies in cases of early childhood caries.
Conclusion: Chewable lozenges chitosan 2.5% effective in reducing the number of Streptococcus mutans bacterial colonies in cases of early childhood caries in children.