Antimicrobial effect of aroma essential oils on the oral cavity for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases

The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of the next-generation antimicrobial materials, essential oils, as preventive and therapeutic agents for oral diseases. To determine the antimicrobial effect of five essential oils-lemon, tea tree, geranium, peppermint, and myrrh-against Candida albicans (C. albicans), the diameters of the growth inhibition zones were measured. The study results showed that the five essential oils that were used in this study effectively inhibited the growth of bacteria, particularly C. albicans. The inhibition zones were 30 mm for lemon, 21 mm for myrrh, 20 mm for geranium, 19 mm for tea tree, and 19 mm for peppermint. Therefore, it is considered that essential oils can replace antibiotics and can lead to the promotion of oral health through the prevention and treatment of candidiasis in the dental field against C. albicans.