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. 2022 Oct-Dec;26(4):601.
doi: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_279_21. Epub 2022 Dec 22.

Evaluation of effects of essential oil vapors on the bacterial count in bioaerosols

Vishwaprakash Shetty  1 , K Sri Varalakshmi  1 , A Jacob Prakash  1 , M Vijaya Lakshmi  1 , M Harsha  1
Affiliations

Evaluation of effects of essential oil vapors on the bacterial count in bioaerosols

Vishwaprakash Shetty et al. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2022 Oct-Dec.

Abstract

Background: The aerosols generated during dental treatments contain bacteria and other microorganisms that penetrate the body through the respiratory system of dental surgeons and cause infectious diseases. Several studies have been done to reduce these hazards. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of the plant extract essential oil (EO) vapors of Neem, Clove, Cinnamon bark, Thyme, Lemon Grass, and Eucalyptus on the bacterial count in bioaerosols near dental units.

Materials and methods: Sampling was taken on nutrient blood agar plates by placing them open near dental units using passive air sampling method, before commencement of treatment for 1 h, during treatments for 2 h, and after introducing EO vapors for 2 h. The collected samples were taken for incubation at 37°C for 48 h. The colonies formed were counted in colony-forming units per cubic meter and taken for statistical analysis.

Results: After comparing the obtained results, it was found that there was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the bacterial count for about 43% near the dental units after the introduction of the EO vapours.

Conclusion: It is concluded that natural extracts like EOs can reduce bacterial contamination near dental units in the vapourized state, thereby reducing the health hazards in Dental Health Professionals.

Keywords: Bioaerosols; dental units; essential oil vapors; index of bacterial air contamination; passive air sampling.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Different Microbial colonies that developed after incubation at 37°C for 48 h
Figure 2
Figure 2
Microbial colonies formed on blood agar plate placed near dental before treatments without essential oil vapors
Figure 3
Figure 3
Microbial colonies formed on blood agar plate placed near dental units during treatments without essential oil vapors
Figure 4
Figure 4
Microbial colonies formed on blood agar plate placed near dental units during treatments with essential oil vapors
Graph 1
Graph 1
Bacterial counts all through the study
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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