P29 
The effects of essential oils on periodontopathic bacteria and oral halitosis

Abstract

Oral halitosis has been associated with periodontal disease. Hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulphide are the major components of halitosis originating in the oral cavity. These compounds are mainly produced by periodontopathic bacteria in the oral cavity. In the absence of the bacteria, the odoriferous compounds are not generated. We have demonstrated the antibacterial effects of essential oils on the periodontopathic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Fusobacterium nucleatum. As essential oils, manuka oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lavandula oil, and romarinus oil were used, and their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The essential oils inhibited the growth of the bacteria tested, and manuka oil did so most effectively. MBC values showed that lavandula oil acted bacteriostatically, and the remaining oils bactericidally. Bacterial strains tested were killed completely by exposure for 30 s to 0.2% manuka oil, tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil. This study showed that among the essential oils tested, tea tree oil and manuka oil, particularly the latter, had strong antibacterial activity against periodontal disease associated bacteria. In the present study, we investigated the clinical effects of essential oils in the treatment of oral halitosis. When the degree of halitosis before and after the treatment was evaluated, the essential oils demonstrated efficacy in reducing the level of the three major components of halitosis. From the data of the present study, we consider that essential oils can be used in oral health management. This study was supported by grant from Kanpou Science Foundation.

A Comparative Study of Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Mouthrinse Containing Tea Tree Oil

“…For example, the soluble components in water of TTO can inhibit the production of lipopolysaccharide induced by inflammatory mediators which Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-10 and prostaglandin E2 (22). Saxer et al (23) have shown that the 'action of the main components of TTO, 1,8-cineol and terpinen-4-ol, as well as lead to a reduction in inflammation of the oral tissues, also means less plaque formation' as reported by Takarada et al, which demonstrated that TTO is able to inhibit the adhesion of S. mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis (24). Therefore, the TTO can have a role in the treat- original research article ment of gingivitis and oral candidiasis (24)(25)(26) and there are also some preliminary evidences to suggest the reduction of levels of different compounds associated with bad breath (27).…”

Plants of theMelaleucaGenus as Antimicrobial Agents: From Farm to Pharmacy

“…Terpinen-4-ol (30-40%) γ-Terpinene (10-28%) α-Terpinene (5-13%) 1,8-Cineol (5-15%) Terpinolene (1.5-5%) p-Cymene (0.5-12%) α-Pinene (1-6%) α-Terpineol (2-8%) Aromadendrene (traces-7%) Hammer et al, 1996;Shapiro et al, 1994;Hammer et al, 2003b;Griffin et al, 2000;Hammer et al, 1999;Hammer et al, 2002;Christoph et al, 2000;Banes-Marshall et al, 2001;Nelson, 1997;Nenoff et al, 1996;Oliva et al, 2003;Carson et al, 1995Carson et al, , 1996Carson and Riley, 1994;Brophy et al, 1989;D'Auria et al, 2001;Elsom and Hide, 1999;Gustafson et al, 1998;Hammer et al, 2003a;Mann and Markham, 1998;Mondello et al, 2003;Raman et al, 1995;Sherry et al, 2001;…”

Melaleuca alternifolia(Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties

“…These studies indicate that although TTO may cause decreases in the levels of oral bacteria, this does not necessarily equate to reduced plaque levels. However, TTO may have a role in the treatment of gingivitis, and there is also some evidence preliminary suggesting that TTO reduces the levels of several compounds associated with halitosis (144).…”