title: In situ antimicrobial activity on oral biofilm: essential oils vs. 0.2 % chlorhexidine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to evaluate the in situ antibacterial activity of a mouthwash containing essential oils (M-EO) on undisturbed de novo plaque-like biofilm (PL-biofilm) up to 7 h after its application.
  
  
  METHODS
  An appliance was designed to hold six glass disks on the buccal sides of the lower teeth, allowing PL-biofilm growth. Fifteen healthy volunteers wore the appliance for 48 h and then performed a M-EO. Disks were removed after 30 s and at 1, 3, 5, and 7 h later. After a washout period, the same procedure was repeated with a M-WATER and a M-0.2 % chlorhexidine. After PL-biofilm vital staining, samples were analyzed using a confocal laser scanning microscope.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 30 s after M-EO, the levels of bacterial vitality were 1.18 %, significantly lower than that of the basal sample (p < 0.001). After 7 h, the antibacterial effect of essential oils was still patent with a 47.86 % difference in bacterial vitality compared to the basal sample (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A single M-EO presents high antibacterial immediate activity and penetration capacity in situ and a substantivity which lasts for at least 7 h after its application over de novo biofilm. These results were better than those observed with 0.2 % chlorhexidine under the same conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A single M-EO is an effective measure against the de novo biofilm, presenting a good alternative to clorhexidine such as a preoperative rinse, in periodontal procedures or post-treatment applications.
authors.affiliation: Oral Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela University, C./ Entrerrios s/n, 15872, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Quintas
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Prada-López
authors.forename: Juan Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Prados-Frutos
authors.forename: Inmaculada
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tomás
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D009067:Mouthwashes; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D002710:Chlorhexidine