Effectiveness of an Essential Oil Mouthwash in Maintaining Proper Oral Health in Orthodontic Patients—An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Introduction: Patients undergoing orthodontic therapy face greater difficulties in maintaining good oral hygiene. To improve mechanical plaque removal, a common strategy is to incorporate a chemotherapeutic agent. Thus, the effects of adding essential oil mouthwash to a standard oral hygiene regimen to maintain oral health were evaluated. Material and Method: Two groups were created with 25 patients each. Gingival index and orthodontic plaque index were calculated as initial reading. Gingival index and orthodontic plaque index were calculated again after 6 months. Result: In the control group, the mean score of gingival index and orthodontic plaque index were significantly increased from baseline reading (T1) to after 6 months reading (T2). In the experimental group, increase in the mean score of gingival index and orthodontic plaque index was not statistically significant. Conclusion: When an essential oil mouthwash is added to the daily oral hygiene regimen (conventional manual toothbrushing + brushing with monotufted brush), it maintained the gingival health and amount of plaque accumulation in orthodontic patients over a period of 6 months.