Tea Tree Oil versus Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in Treatment of Gingivitis: A Pilot Randomized, Double Blinded Clinical Trial

Abstract

ObjectiveThe study evaluated the efficacy of tea tree oil for the treatment of gingivitis. Materials and Methods The tea tree oil was administered in the form of mouthwash and then compared with a mouthwash with chlorhexidine 0.12%. Both treatments were domestic and lasted for 14 days. Patients were chosen according to random criteria, aged between 18 and 60 years, and who showed a clinically evident gingivitis. In clinical evaluation, the following clinical criteria were taken into consideration: gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI), probing depth (PD), the presence of dental dyschromia, and the presence of taste alteration. The subjects were evaluated before (T0) and after the treatment (T1), and the data collected for each patient were recorded on a periodontal chart. Results The comparison showed that tea tree oil offered a better improvement in the evaluation of PI, BOP, and PD; furthermore, it did not cause dental dyschromia and taste alteration. In group A, treated with tea tree oil, PI decreased from 53.25 to 5.50% and BI from 38.41 to 4.22%. In group B, treated with chlorhexidine PI decreased from 47.69 to 2.37% and BI from 32.93 to 6.28%. Instead, the subjects using chlorhexidine 0.12% blamed a distaste for the product that caused a slight taste alteration; 20% of them showed iatrogenic dental dyschromia. Conclusions The collected data showed the efficacy of both treatments. Although further research works will be necessary, this study showed that tea tree oil could be an effective nontoxic substitute for the therapy of gingivitis. AbstractKeywords ► gingivitis ► tea tree oil ► chlorhexidine ► oral hygiene

The Role of Coconut Oil in Treating Patients Affected by Plaque-Induced Gingivitis: A Pilot Study

“…Medium chain saturates and their derived products (e.g., monoglycerides) are effective in destroying a wide range of bacteria (lipid coated bacteria) demolishing their lipidic membrane. They can be effective, for instance, against the bacteria causing gastric ulcer, sinusitis, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and caries 5,16 There are still a few evidences in literature of studies regarding the properties of coconut oil in relation to the oral cavity. That is why the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the coconut oil as coadjuvant in reducing plaque formation and for the treatment of gingivitis.…”

“…Being plaque the first cause of periodontal disease, 5 6 with first manifestation in form of gingivitis, an efficient domestic and professional oral hygiene aimed at the removal of the main etiological factor, plays a key role in the maintaining of the oral health and in the prevention of periodontal diseases and caries. 7 The professional mechanical removal is performed through manual, ultrasonic, and sonic instruments.…”

“…Medium chain saturates and their derived products (e.g., monoglycerides) are effective in destroying a wide range of bacteria (lipid coated bacteria) demolishing their lipidic membrane. They can be effective, for instance, against the bacteria causing gastric ulcer, sinusitis, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and caries 5 16 …”

Gingivitis Effectiveness of Emulgel Containing 2% Resveratrol in Orthodontic Patients: An 8-Week Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Chlorhexidine is a synthetic biguanide cationic molecule with strong antibacterial and bacteriostatic action. However, if used for a long time, it can cause dental dyschromia, changes in taste, and plaque deposition [ 29 ]. For this reason, over the past decades, researchers have sought alternatives to this molecule.…”

“…For this reason, over the past decades, researchers have sought alternatives to this molecule. Due to the use of the drug over time, gingivitis can be treated without any restrictions or side effects [ 29 ]. In another study, Henrique Pretti et al investigated the effect of chlorhexidine varnish on gingival growth in orthodontic patients.…”