Antimicrobial Action of Denture Pastes Based on Essential Oils

Objectives: This study evaluated the antimicrobial action of seven experimental denture pastes based on essential oils (Ricinus communis, Melaleuca alternifólia, Pinus strobus, Copaifera officinalis, Curcuma longa, Eucalyptus citriodora e Bowdichia virgilioides Kunthe) against Streptococcus mutans (Sm) and Candida albicans (Ca), by Agar Diffusion Well method and Colony Forming Units (CFU) count.
Methods: For Agar Diffusion Well method, Sm (10⁸UFC / mL) and Ca (10⁶UFC / mL) inoculums were seeded in specific mediums and wells were made for addition of 100mL of Conventional (Trihydral – Positive Control) and seven experimental denture pastes. After incubation, the microbial growth inhibition halos were measured. For CFU counts, thermally activated acrylic resin specimens were sterilized, inoculated (10⁷UFC / ml suspension) and, after contamination and incubation, were distributed into groups for mechanical brushing (3 minutes) and microbiologically processed for CFU counting.
Results: All dentifrices presented inhibition halos against Sm and Ca. For CFU counts there was a significant difference between groups (Kruskal-Wallis tests - p <0.05), with lower values for Bowdichia virgilioides Kunthe (p = 0.867) (Sm); and Melaleuca alternifolia (p = 0.103) and Pinus strobus (p = 0.068) (Ca), which are similar to the positive control.
Conclusions: It was concluded that experimental denture pastes based on Melaleuca alternifolia, Pinus strobus and Bowdichia virgilioides Kunthe essential oils were effective.