title: Effect of a novel essential oil mouthrinse without alcohol on gingivitis: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.
abstract: Several different plant extracts have been evaluated with respect to their antimicrobial effects against oral pathogens and for reduction of gingivitis. Given that a large number of these substances have been associated with significant side effects that contraindicate their long-term use, new compounds need to be tested. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term safety and efficacy of a Lippia sidoides ("alecrim pimenta")-based essential oil mouthrinse on gingival inflammation and bacterial plaque. Fifty-five patients were enrolled into a pilot, double-blinded, randomized, parallel-armed study. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo a 7-day treatment regimen with either the L. sidoides-based mouthrinse or 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse. The results demonstrated decreased plaque index, gingival index and gingival bleeding index scores at 7 days, as compared to baseline. There was no statistically significance difference (p>0.05) between test and control groups for any of the clinical parameters assessed throughout the study. Adverse events were mild and transient. The findings of this study demonstrated that the L. sidoides-based mouthrinse was safe and efficacious in reducing bacterial plaque and gingival inflammation.
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. marcobotelho1@gmail.com
authors.forename: Marco Antonio
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Botelho
authors.forename: José Gomes
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Bezerra Filho
authors.forename: Luciano Lima
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Correa
authors.forename: Said Gonçalves da Cruz
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Fonseca
authors.forename: Danusa
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Montenegro
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gapski
authors.forename: Gerly Anne Castro
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Brito
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heukelbach