Aromatherapy has been widely used in Europe as a phytotherapy for promoting general health or as a beauty treatment, however, the effectiveness of aromatherapy in the field of dentistry has not yet been determined.
The purposes of this study were to estimate the anti-microbiological and anti-biofilm forming effects of essential oils against mutans streptococci, periodontal pathogens and oral indigenous true fungi. Seven essential oils, a blended essential oil with tea tree, peppermint, and lemon oils (TPL oils) which is known as a recommended blend for preventing halitosis, and one of the TPL oils replaced by another essential oil were used in this study. All tested essential oils showed anti-microbiological, anti-biofilm forming effects against the tested microorganisms. Specifically, lemongrass and peppermint oils had strong anti-microbiological effects. In addition, the anti-halitosis effect of a mouthwash containing 0.3% TPL oils was examined in ten periodontal patients. Volatile sulfur compounds, including hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, which are the main malodorous substances, tended to decrease after gargling with a mouthwash containing 0.3% TPL oils.
The results of this study showed that essential oils indeed play a role in the treatment and prevention of oral diseases, especially periodontitis, candidiasis and halitosis, thereby suggesting the effectiveness of such essential oils.
