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Essential Oils

Mouthwash has been a commonly used method for controlling dental plaque accumulation. Many studies have supported that fact that mouthwash containing alcohol might not be the best option. The absence of alcohol in mouthwash, has prompted many new and old mouthwash brands to develop new mouthwashes with essential oils.

In 2018, a study done on effectiveness of commercially available essential oil mouth-rinse. A placebo and a negative control was used, with the negative control being mouthwash without essential oils. Three groups of healthy volunteers were induced with experimental gingivitis, used their respective mouthwash, and monitored for three weeks. The results showed that the commercial mouthwash with essential oils did significantly better on plaque scores. Results showed that the plaque scores for the essential mouthwash was not enough low enough to prevent gingivitis. The researchers concluded that the benefit of essential oil mouthwash is questionable and requires further research.

Research done by the US National Institute of Health in 2022 studied the antimicrobial properties and effects of a lemongrass essential oil mouthwash. They found that the lemongrass was a natural, herbal material that was a good substitute to alcohol in mouthwash. The stability of the lemongrass allows it to have antimicrobial properties against the organisms that cause plaque. A decrease in plaque formation, lowers the chances of gingivitis occurring.

A study conducted in 2022, with a sample of 209 participants, studied the effect of using a mouthwash that contained a mixture of 4 essential oils versus just brushing and flossing. It showed that after 12 weeks, those who rinsed with the essential oil mouthwash had significantly reduced plaque and improved their gingivitis compared to the groups that only brushed and flossed.

A meta-analysis conducted in 2021, reviewed thee effectiveness of various mouthwashes and their active ingredients on plaque. The American Dental Association database was used to collect studies. A total of 22 papers were selected for the overview. Four of the papers selected, all meta-analysis, showed that essential oils had substantial antiplaque activity. The researchers concluded that essential oils and chlorhexidine are the two ingredients that are most useful in having good oral health.

Dental Plaque