Comparative effect of an essential oil mouthrinse on plaque, gingivitis and salivary Streptococcus mutans levels: a double blind randomized study

Abstract

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.

Clinical applicability of natural product(s)-containing mouthwashes as adjunctive treatment of biofilm-induced gingivitis: a systematic review

“…Thymol has been the main component found and might be associated with the antimicrobial activity presented by that natural product (Fontenelle et al, 2007). Botelho et al (2009) also demonstrated that the essential oil from the leaves of L. sidoides (1%) is responsible for a decrease in the levels of salivary mutans streptococci.…”

“…Of the studies that showed satisfactory results, only Rassameemasmaung et al (2007), Botelho et al (2008) and Botelho et al (2009) specify which part of the plant was used in the mouthrinse formulation.…”

Phythochemical screening and antimicrobial activity phythochemical of essential oil from Lippia gracillis

“…Essential oils exert many properties such as antinociceptive (Franco et al, 2011), anticonvulsant (Oliveira, 2009), cardiovascular effects (Menezes et al, 2010), antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria (Botelho et al, 2009a) and fungal fi laments as well (Botelho et al, 2007b). Some studies point out that those plant-derived essential oils may be an effective alternative to overcome microbial resistance (Botelho et al, 2008).…”

“…They were also used in medical treatments and were known for exhibiting antimicrobial properties such as antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasite (Fuselli et al, 2008;Botelho et al, 2007c;Botelho et al,2009a).…”

“…Scientific evidence also suggests that the essential oil may be useful for oral hygiene and in the prevention of dental disorders such as caries and gingivitis (Botelho et al, 2007b;Botelho et al, 2009a). However, the in vitro activity against pathogens related to other diseases has not been so far reported.…”