Effect of Epigallo Catechin Gallate oral rinse on periodontal condition in J.M.S.D.F. members

According to recent reports, the tea polyphenol, Epigallo Catechin Gallate (EGCg) has the highest antibacterial activities against many kinds of periodontopathic bacteria. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of EGCg oral rinse on the periodontal condition in J.M.S.D.F. members. Methods: 127 crewmembers of Fast combat support ship: AOE (A) were checked up their periodontal condition by means of WHO probes. And the numbers of teeth with bleeding(Bl), calculus(Cl) and pocket formations(Pf) were counted. Based on their check up data, they were provided with a periodontal treatment program, including oral hygiene instructions and ultrasonic scaling. The first reexamination was carried out 2 months after the treatment program began, and the second was 6 months after the first reexam. During these terms, the crewmembers were required to oral rinse with 0.2% aqueous solution of EGCg three times a day after brushing their teeth. The EGCg in this study was TEA-FLAN90S by Itoh-En co. The control group was 118 crewmembers in AOE (B). Except for EGCg oral rinse, they were provided with the same treatment program and reexams as (A) crew. Result: At the base line exam, the percentage of teeth with normal gingiva was only 37.5% in(A) ,39.5% in (B). These conditions showed remarkable improvement at the first reexam, as 65.5% in(A), 58.8% in(B). The percentage of teeth with Bl.Cl.and Pf. decreased dramatically. At the second reexam, the periodontal condition of(A) crew was good. The percentages of teeth with normal gingiva were 62.6% in(A), 41.6% in(B). The percentage of teeth with Bl.Cl. and Pf. were 19.1%, 27.0%, 4.6% in (A) and 39.3%, 39.8%, 8.2% in (B). There were statistically significant difference in each periodontal condition between(A) and (B) (p< 0.01). Conclusion: The result of this study showed the continuation of EGCg oral rinse reduced the gingival bleeding, calculus and pocket formation, statistically.