Role of dentifrices with essential oil formulations in periodontal healing

INTRODUCTION: Essential oil (EO)-formulated dentifrices have significant effectiveness in reducing periodontal inflammation. This study aimed to review the role of dentifrices with EO formulations in periodontal healing. METHODS: Databases were explored from 1968 until March 2010. The focused question was what is the impact of dentifrices with EO formulations on periodontal wound healing? Databases were searched using the following terms in various combinations: "essential oil," "periodontal healing," "mouthrinse," "mouth-wash" and "periodontitis." RESULTS: Twenty studies were included. The numbers of participants ranged from 20 to 316 individuals (aged 18-70 years) and were rinsing with the EO-formulated dentifrices at least twice daily for 1 week to 48 weeks. Fourteen clinical studies showed reduced periodontal inflammatory conditions in the test group (individuals using EO dentifrices) compared with the placebo group. Three studies showed a reduction in periodontal pathogens in the test group compared with the placebo group. In 1 study, the microbiological findings remained inconclusive between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: EO-formulated dentifrices have beneficial effects on the clinical and microbiological parameters of periodontal inflammation.