An investigation of the effect of an essential oil mouthrinse on induced bacteraemia: a pilot study.

AIM

This pilot study was designed to assess the effect of an essential oil antiseptic mouthrinse (EOM) in reducing bloodstream bacteria after chewing an apple.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From a panel of 200, we screened 62 individuals with mild-to-moderate gingivitis. Twenty-two individuals who showed a bacteraemia after chewing an apple were enrolled. Subjects were recalled, instructed to chew an apple, had blood drawn (first baseline), and were randomly assigned EOM or a control (C) treatment for 2 weeks. Subjects were recalled, given an apple, and had blood taken for bacterial counts. Following a 1-week fluoride dentifrice wash-out, subjects were recalled, given the apple challenge, had blood drawn (second baseline), assigned the alternate treatment, and recalled for testing. Differences between baseline and 2-week post-treatment (EOM versus C) in blood-borne bacteria were assessed by analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

Mean aerobic blood-borne bacteria decreased by 68.5% (17.7 viable counts from baseline; p<0.001), while anaerobic counts decreased by 70.7% (14.5 mean viable counts from baseline; p<0.001) for the EOM treatment. No reduction was seen for the C treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, 2-week cross-over study showed that rinsing with essential oils reduced the level of bloodstream bacteria in subjects with mild-to-moderate gingivitis.