CDA Oasis Conversation: The effect of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse on gingivitis and plaque
November 23, 2015
Recently, a meta-analysis was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association on the effect of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse on gingivitis and plaque. The purpose of the analysis was to evaluate the combined effectiveness of mechanical methods with essential oil– containing mouthrinses (MMEO) versus mechanical methods (MM) alone in achieving site-specific, healthy gingival tissue and reducing plaque and gingivitis.
Dr. John O’Keefe invited a panel of experts, including Dr. Carlos Quiñonez, Dr. John Gunsolley, and Dr. Jane Zhang, to discuss the findings of this meta-analysis and its clinical implications.
Watch the panel conversation
Thanks for this important information. I’m going to bring it back to my hygiene team and discuss it’s relevance in my practice!
While the essential oil study is interesting, there is no indication of the anti-microbial efficacy of the oil rinse. On the other hadn, there is an established, well researched, effective anti-microbial product ” Silver Biotics” produced by American Biotech Labs (ablsilver.com) It is a broad spectrum anti-microbial including anti-viral properties. I have been using it personally for both as an oral rinse and using it as a prophylactic systemically for over 4 years. I use it in my practice to irrigate root canal cases and prior to placing an adhesive when doing composite restorations. I believe that it should be a must-have product in every practice. They also have a tooth gel that contains their silver in combination with Xiltol. That is a double preventive combination – killing micro-organisms and preventing the organisms from attaching to teeth.
Dave Okamura DDS
The conclusions presented in the paper are somewhat deceptive.
In 27 of the 29 studies the participants DID NOT FLOSS! (see table on page 612 & 613).
A better conclusion would be, in patients that do not floss regularly, oils help reduce plaque and gingivitis.
So for all of my patients 😉
Also the title should be “…effect of Listerine on gingivitis…” given that it was the only essential oil mouth rinse used.
I also see on the first page that THE SPONSOR (Johnson & Johnson) COLLECTED ALL THE EVIDENCE. How very thoughtful of them. Usually that is the hardest part of doing a meta-analysis, going through PUBMED and gathering all the relevant evidence. Gee can’t imagine any bias being introduced there.
What a joke!
Excellent round table! Thank you. I always enjoy these discussions but rarely comment, for which I apologize, as this is a valuable service.
I do have some questions regarding the study. It seems that the only rinse studied was Listerine, is this true? Is it the essential oil that is responsible for this? Can one use an essential oil alone like coconut oil, such as sometimes suggested by naturopaths?
All of the studies included were studies sponsored by Johnson & Johnson or previous companies that were responsible for the production of Listerine, and the writers of the article are employees of/consultants for Johnson & Johnson. I would say that the risk for bias is fairly high considering any other studies were excluded.