Efficacy of Oregano Essential Oil Mouthwash in Reducing Oral Halitosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Author(s): Mohamed Saeed M Ali and Ayser Najah Mohammed*
Abstract
Background: Halitosis is an unpleasant condition affecting people of all ages that can have negative impact on their social life. Aim: to evaluate the efficacy of mouthwash containing oregano essential oil in the reduction of oral halitosis compared to Chlorhexidine and distilled water.
Methods: A randomized, double-blind, parallel clinical trial was conducted on 54 dental students with oral halitosis. They were randomly allocated into 3 groups (Oregano, Chlorhexidine and placebo) and instructed to rinse with 15 ml of the assigned mouthwash twice daily for 7 days. Halitosis was measured using two organoleptic methods and BANA (N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide) test at baseline and after 7 days.
Results: Both Chlorhexidine and Oregano Groups showed significant reduction of Organoleptic tongue and floss scores and BANA test scores after 7 days while no significant difference was found in placebo group. There was no significant difference in all measurements between Chlorhexidine and Oregano group after 7 days.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that oregano essential oil mouthwash was effective in reducing oral halitosis. It was found to have similar efficacy to CHX in the reduction of oral malodor with no side effects.