BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review the literature on the effects of a mouthrinse containing essential oils (EO) on plaque and parameters of gingival inflammation.
METHODS: The MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to and including December 2006 to identify appropriate studies. The primary outcome measure was gingivitis. Secondary parameters were plaque and, when reported, staining.
RESULTS: Independent screening of titles and abstracts of 566 papers resulted in 11 publications that met the criteria of eligibility.
In all studies, EO was used as an adjunct to regular daily toothbrushing.
A statistically significant reduction in overall gingivitis was noted compared to the control (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.46 to -0.19, P <0.00001; test for heterogeneity: P <0.00001, I(2) = 96.7%).
For interproximal (situated or used in the areas between adjoining teeth) sites the use of the test mouthrinse resulted in significantly more gingivitis reduction compared to control mouthrinse (WMD: -0.29, 95% CI: -0.48 to -0.11, P = 0.002; test for heterogeneity: P <0.00001, I(2) = 95.18%), whereas no differences were observed compared to dental floss.
With respect to plaque scores, EO produced significant overall reductions in plaque (WMD: -0.83, 95% CI: -1.13 to -0.53, P <0.00001; test for heterogeneity: P <0.00001, I(2) = 96.1%). Separate analysis for interproximal areas revealed that EO resulted in more pronounced plaque drops compared to the control mouthrinse (WMD: -1.02, 95% CI: -1.44 to -0.60, P <0.00001; test for heterogeneity: P <0.00001, I(2) = 96.1%) or the use of floss (WMD: -0.75, 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.363, P <0.0002; test for heterogeneity: P <0.0002, I(2) = 93.0%).
Most studies agreed that EO did not produce more staining than the controlproducts.
CONCLUSION: When used as an adjunct to unsupervised oral hygiene, EO provides an additional benefit with regard to plaque and gingivitis reduction as compared to a placebo or control.
Soukoulis S, Hirsch R.
Dental School, The University of Adelaide, South Australia. BACKGROUND: This clinical study assessed the effects of topically applied tea tree oil (TTO)-containing gel on dental plaque and chronic gingivitis.
METHODS: This was a double-blind, longitudinal, non-crossover study in 49 medically fit non-smokers (24 males and 25 females) aged 18-60 years with severe chronic gingivitis. Subjects were randomly assigned to three groups and given either TTO-gel (2.5 per cent), chlorhexidine (CHX) gel (0.2 per cent), or a placebo gel to apply with a toothbrush twice daily. Treatment effects were assessed using the Gingival Index (GI), Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI) and plaque staining score (PSS) at four and eight weeks.
RESULTS: No adverse reactions to any of the gels were reported. The data were separated into subsets by tooth (anterior and posterior) and tooth surface (buccal and lingual). The TTO group had significant reduction in PBI and GI scores. However,,TTO did not reduce plaque scores, which tended to increase over the latter weeks of the study period.
CONCLUSION: Although further studies are required, the anti-inflammatory properties of TTO-containing gel applied topically to inflamed gingival tissues may prove to be a useful non-toxic adjunct to chemotherapeutic periodontal therapy.
Thak you for finding these articles, scorpiotiger.
Essential oils are a valuable resource in many conditions. Last year, I nearly went on a course in France, teaching the medical use of EOs, but other things got in the way.
Does anyone remember Carmen, from the old forum? She has a great depth of knowledge of the proper identification of oils and their chemistry and uses. She taught me a lot. Thank you, Carmen.
I use some oils in cosmetic acupuncture, and for some therapeutic applications too.
Since reading your post, I have been trying to remember the name of an Ebay seller, who has found a way to manufacture some of the oils made by Young Living, the MLM company referred to in that video.
Memory came up with the name Pastor Straw, but darned if I can find him on Ebay. Scorpiotiger, are you good at searching Ebay, 'cos it's obviously not one of my talents! Of course, the person in that video could be the same person. I confess I found it difficult to understand his accent, but I sort of got the gist of it!
I really like the Young Living products, but, oh, how I hate their prices.
Essential oils for cosmetic use?
Lemon oil will help to disperse those tiny blood vessels that can appear around the nose and chin.
Frankincense is wonderful for the aging skin (I must remember to use it!)
Lavender, chamomile, German chamomile are all nourishing and toning. Some are specific to certain conditions. Some should not be used - for instance, there is a caution not to use rosemary if a person has high BP.
Essential oils are NEVER used undiluted. The recommendation is to use a 3 -5% dilution in whatever carrier oil is preferred. There was a fashion for using Argan oil a couple of years ago. I honestly don't know if it is any better than wheatgerm oil, or almond oil, my favourites.
Hey, scorpiotiger! While I have been stumbling around looking for Pastor Straw, you had already posted his site!
I clicked on Home, at the webpage you gave and found this
About
The Secrets of Eden
We are located in beautiful, historic, Adrian, MI. Founded by Pastor Rick Strawcutter who has a passion to see people feel healthy and live long productive lives.
Hey, scorpiotiger! While I have been stumbling around looking for Pastor Straw, you had already posted his site!
I clicked on Home, at the webpage you gave and found this About
The Secrets of Eden
We are located in beautiful, historic, Adrian, MI. Founded by Pastor Rick Strawcutter who has a passion to see people feel healthy and live long productive lives.
and the rest of his videos (if you like info commercials ).. but hey, they are about essential oils...
Some infomercials have interesting information. If it can be confirmed at other places, that is OK. If it is simply an unsubstantiated claim by a company which sells it, well, we know what to do with that!
I have seen references to the use of essential oils in the tratment of cancer in the past two years, but have never followed up on it. I should have gone to that seminar in France!
One year - - -
using essential oils for teeth and gums
(and this from someone that brushes their teeth with bar soap) 
).. but hey, they are about essential oils... 
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