Abstract
Several different plant extracts have been evaluated with respect to their antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens and for reduction of gingivitis. Given that a large number of these substances have been associated with significant side effects that contraindicate their long-term use, new compounds need to be tested. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term safety and efficacy of a Lippia sidoides ("alecrim pimenta")-based essential oil mouthrinse on gingival inflammation and bacterial plaque. Fifty-five patients were enrolled into a pilot, double-blinded, randomized, parallel-armed study. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo a 7-day treatment regimen with either the L. sidoides-based mouthrinse or 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse. The results demonstrated decreased plaque index, gingival index and gingival bleeding index scores at 7 days, as compared to baseline. There was no statistically significance difference (p>0.05) between test and control groups for any of the clinical parameters assessed throughout the study. Adverse events were mild and transient. The findings of this study demonstrated that the L. sidoides-based mouthrinse was safe and efficacious in reducing bacterial plaque and gingival inflammation.
Highlights
Bacterial plaque and its byproducts are considered the primary cause of chronic gingival inflammation
Gingivitis and poor oral hygiene have been clearly associated with lower socioeconomic status, which may explain in part the high prevalence of gingivitis in resourcepoor settings[3]
Gas chromatography-mass spectrum analysis The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined at the Technological Development Center (PADETEC) at the Federal University of Ceará by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) using a Hewlett-Packard 5971 GC/MS apparatus (Avondale, PA, USA) under the following conditions: a 0.25 mm x 30 m polydimethylsiloxane DB-1 fused silica capillary column, with a film thickness of 0.10 μm; helium as the carrier gas (1 mL/min), injector temperature of 250oC, and detector temperature of 200oC
Summary
Bacterial plaque and its byproducts are considered the primary cause of chronic gingival inflammation. The association between poor oral hygiene, dental plaque and the severity of periodontal diseases is wellestablished[21]. Several surveys have demonstrated that plaque-induced gingivitis has reached epidemic proportions worldwide[4,24]. In Brazil, 80% of the elderly population is affected by periodontal diseases with different levels of severity[6]. Studies in deprived populations have demonstrated that gingivitis occurs in even greater proportions, being present in the vast majority of adults[23]. Gingivitis and poor oral hygiene have been clearly associated with lower socioeconomic status, which may explain in part the high prevalence of gingivitis in resourcepoor settings[3]. The degree of motivation and dexterity required for optimal oral hygiene may be beyond the ability of most patients, regardless of their socioeconomic status[16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
