Immediate Effect and Substantivity of the Essential Oils Without Alcohol on the Oral Biofilm in Situ

Immediate Effect and Substantivity of the Essential Oils Without Alcohol on the Oral Biofilm in Situ. A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study aims to evaluate the in situ antibacterial activity of a mouthwash containing essential oils with and without alcohol on undisturbed de novo plaque-like biofilm (PL-biofilm) up to 7 h after its application.

An appliance was designed to hold six glass disks on the buccal sides of the lower teeth, allowing PL-biofilm growth. Twenty healthy volunteers will the appliance for 48 h and then performed a mouthwash with essential oils. Disks will be removed after 30 s and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 h later. After a washout period, the same procedure will be repeated with a sterile water mouthwash and a mouthwash with essential oils without alcohol. After PL-biofilm vital staining, samples will be analyzed using a confocal laser scanning microscope analysing their bacterial viability and thickness.

Inclusion Criteria:

Systemically healthy adults.

• Minimum of 24 permanent teeth.
• No gingivitis (Community Periodontal Index score = 0).
• No periodontitis (Community Periodontal Index score = 0).
• Absence of untreated caries.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoker or former smoker.
• Presence of dental prostheses.
• Presence of orthodontic devices.
• Antibiotic treatment or routine use of oral antiseptics in the previous 3 months.
• Presence of any systemic disease that could alter the production or composition of saliva.