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

Abstract

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.