Effect of eucalyptus-extract chewing gum on oral malodor

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of eucalyptus extract on oral malodor, a double-masked, randomized, controlled trial with chewing gum containing eucalyptus extract was conducted. Subjects were randomly assigned to the following groups; a high-concentration (use of 0.6% eucalyptus-extract chewing gum) group, a low-concentration (use of 0.4% eucalyptus-extract chewing gum) group, and a placebo (use of chewing gum without eucalyptus extract) group. The intake period was 12 weeks. The organoleptic score, level of total volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), and tongue-coating score were recorded at baseline and 4, 8, 12, and 14 weeks. Group-time interactions revealed significant reductions in the organoleptic score, level of total VSCs, and tongue-coating score in both concentration groups compared to the placebo group [Tanaka et al, J. Periodontol., 81, 1564-1571, (2010)].