Efficacy of Essential Oils on 4-Day Interproximal Plaque Regrowth

Introduction: Dental plaque is the most important etiological factor of periodontal diseases. Mechanical Plaque control is the most effective way in preventing periodontal diseases. Chemical plaque control methods (like mouthrinses) have been recommended to be used because of some drawbacks in the mechanical methods. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Essential Oils mouthrinse (Listerine„¥) on plaque formation in interproximal areas as compared to Chlorhexidine and Sterile water. Methods: the study was an observer-blind, 4-day plaque regrowth, cross over study, 60 dental students participated voluntarily in the study in which they used one mouthrinse for 4 days as the only oral hygiene method and then plaque was scored using Sillness & Loe plaque index. Results: The Essential Oils mouthrinse produced 22% of interproximal plaque free surfaces which was less than Chlorhexidine that produced 42% of interproximal plaque free surfaces. Conclusion: Analysis of variance and construction of 95% confidence intervals showed that both Chlorhexidine and Essential Oils significantly reduced plaque as compared to the sterile water. The findings of this study suggests that Essential Oils can reduce plaque formation but less than Chlorhexidine.