Essential Oils Mouth Rinse and Dental Floss: Efficacy on Interproximal Gingivitis and Dental Plaque Accumulation

The use of mouthwashes or rinses as an adjunct to mechanical plaque removal should be considered by oral health professionals as part of a strategy to prevent and control patients' oral problems. Most individuals do not brush or floss for the required duration or with the necessary skill to ensure effectiveness, even after receiving hygiene instruction and motivation (Beals et al., 2000; Ciancio, 2003; Santos, 2003). Consequently, inadequate oral hygiene leads to plaque buildup, a key etiological factor in periodontal disease and dental caries. Mouthwashes containing essential oils and rinses with delmopinol have proven effective in controlling plaque development and preventing gingivitis (Baehni and Takeuchi, 2003).

The American Dental Association (ADA) has established guidelines for studying the efficacy of oral hygiene products on gingivitis and plaque accumulation. These guidelines, found in the Acceptance Program Guidelines, provide instructions on planning and evaluating various types of laboratory and clinical studies to test mouthwashes and rinses (ADA, 1997-2008).

In laboratory studies, the effectiveness of antiseptic oral products is tested for their ability to inhibit oral microorganisms. The goal is to determine if these products alter the oral flora. Plaque samples for these studies are collected at baseline and at the end of the experimental period from a predetermined dental surface. Samples are recorded in colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU/ml). For non-specific plaque evaluation, samples are grown on a general nutrient medium, while specific bacteria require selective culture media (ADA, 2008). Bacterial resistance and growth inhibition are assessed using the minimum inhibitory concentration method, typically via the disk diffusion test (ADA, 2008).

Clinical studies, approved by an ethics committee, must demonstrate the efficacy of mouthwashes and rinses in reducing plaque accumulation and gingivitis. Participants undergo a comprehensive oral examination at the study's outset to assess initial conditions, inclusion, and exclusion criteria, and to obtain informed consent (ADA, 1997). Clinical variables are measured at baseline, at study end, and optionally at an intermediate point (ADA, 2006). Sample size must allow for statistical testing with a significance level of 1% or 5% and a power of 80% whenever possible (ADA, 2007). Study duration varies by objective; demonstrating antiseptic properties requires at least six months, while evaluating effects on gingivitis and plaque can be done in as little as two weeks (Collaert et al., 1992-2007).

Participants should be from the product's target population, with usage not necessarily supervised by the researcher. Studies must include both genders and various age groups, with random assignment to experimental and control groups (ADA, 2008). Participants must be healthy adults with no oral pathology and similar oral hygiene conditions, avoiding medications that affect gingival parameters during the study (ADA, 2008). Clinical variables related to plaque and gingivitis are assessed using scientifically recognized indices.

In summary, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mouthwashes and rinses in controlling plaque and gingivitis, following established guidelines to ensure rigorous and systematic assessment.

Inclusion criteria

• To be a student at the Dental Hygiene programme at the Lisbon Dental School
• Signature on informed consent form
• Have, at least, two quadrant with 6 teeth each
• Presence of dental plaque

Exclusion criteria

• Use of a mouthrinse
• Dental hygiene appointment in the past 6 months
• Use of antibiotics in the past 3 months
• Presence of extensive caries and fractures of teeth