An open, randomized, controlled study with two parallel treatment groups was done to evaluate the efficacy of a Lippia sidoides essential oil (EO) 1% mouthrinse compared with chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthrinse, applied two times daily for 1 week, in the treatment of dental plaque and gingivitis. Fifty-five patients were included in the study. The efficacy variables were the colony count of Streptococcus mutans from the stimulated saliva and periodontal indices on days 0, 7 and 30 after commencement of therapy. Twenty eight patients received chlorhexidine mouthrinse (Periogard((R))) and 27 Lippia sidoides essential oil mouthrinse (Cepakill((R))). The clinical and microbiological parameters were significantly reduced by both mouthrinses. No significant difference was seen between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the colony count of S. mutans in both groups (p < 0.05). Chlorhexidine treatment reduced more efficiently than L. sidoides, however, no statistical difference was seen, the efficacy of both groups was similar (p = 0.3). The results indicate that Chlorhexidine mouthrinse reduced plaque index, gingival bleeding and the number of CFU (colonies forming units) more efficiently than L. sidoides but did not reach statistical significance. This study demonstrated that Lippia sidoides EO mouthrinse is effective in reducing microbial plaque and gingival inflammation.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a locally applied 8.5% nanostructured doxycycline (DOX) gel in preventing alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontal disease (ePD) in rats by using the tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM).Material and MethodsePD was induced in 24 Wistar rats. Animals were treated with the doxycycline gel topically, immediately after ePD induction, and 3 times a day during 11 days. Four groups (n=6) were formed as follows: Naïve group (animals not subjected to ePD nor treated); non-treated (NT) group (animals subjected to ePD, but not treated); vehicle gel (VG) group (animals subjected to ePD and treated with topical gel vehicle); and DOX group (test group): animals subjected to ePD and treated with the 8.5% DOX gel. In order to investigate topographical changes in histological sections, a novel simple method was used for sample preparation, by etching sections from paraffin-embedded specimens with xylol.ResultsComparing the AFM images, several grooves were observed on the surface of the alveolar bone and other periodontal structures in the NT and VG groups, with significantly greater depths when compared to the DOX group (p<0.05).ConclusionsPeriodontal structures were brought into high relief confirming to be a simple and costeffective method for AFM imaging with ultrastructural resolution. The doxycycline gel was able to afford periodontal surface preservation, with flatter grooves.

The aims of this study were to test a locally applied carvacrol gel and determine its efficacy preventing alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis in rats by regular methodology to validate applicability the atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a novel morphology method on this model. Wistar rats were subjected to ligature around second, upper-left molars. Animals were treated carvacrol gel topically (CAG), immediately after Experimental Periodontitis Disease induction for 1' three-times/day for 11 days. A vehicle gel was utilized as control. The periodontium and the surrounding gingivae were examined at regular histopathology and by AFM method; the neutrophil influx into the gingivae was also assayed using myeloperoxidase activity. The bacterial flora was assessed through culture of the gingival tissue. Alveolar bone loss was significantly inhibited by CAG group compared to the Vehicle (V) group, the carvacrol gel treatment reduced tissue lesion at histopathology, with preservation of the periodontium, coupled to decreased myeloperoxidase activity in gingival tissue and also prevented the proliferation of periodontal microorganisms and the weight loss. The GAC treatment preserved alveolar bone resorption and showed anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities in experimental periodontitis. Topographical changes in histological sections were seen bringing into high relief the periodontal structures, being a simple and cost-effective method for periodontal evaluation with ultrastructural resolution.