The oral cavity contains a large number of bacteria, some of which are involved in the development of caries and periodontitis (S. mutans, S. sobrinus, Lactobacilli spp, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, and T. forythus). The disadvantages of existing antiseptics used in dentistry necessitate the study of antibacterial properties of herbal medicines, and, in particular, of essential oils. The aim of this review is to provide the analysis of literature sources from PubMed and Google Scholar databases related to the effects of essential oils of cloves, mint, thyme, eucalyptus, tea tree and their components on cariogenic and periodontopathic microflora. It was found out that the most in vitro studies evaluated the effects of essential oils or isolated compounds (eugenol, menthol, thymol, carvacrol, eucalyptol, and terpinene-4-ol) on S. mutans, which is considered to be the most cariogenic of oral streptococci, and the researchers limited to defining the susceptibility of the microorganism and effects on biofilm formation. Only in a few studies, the effects of essential oils on the virulence factors of oral pathogens, in particular glycosyl transferase, are represented. Clinical trials of essential oils, their components and combinations confirm the therapeutic potential of these agents in vivo, but raise the question of their effectiveness, taking into account the short-term action, which does not exceed the potency of chlorhexidine. Essential oils of cloves, mint, thyme, eucalyptus, tea tree and their components should be used for treating caries and periodontitis. They are also promising when used as agents of the oral care products, preservatives of the dental medicinal forms, and as remedies for halitosis. With a rational prescription, essential oils can be useful in improving the quality of dental treatment and preventive procedures.
Spasmolytic Activity of Carvone and Limonene Enantiomers
