Revisiting the Therapeutic Effects of Essential Oils on the Oral Microbiome
Casandra-Maria Radu,
Carmen Corina Radu,
Sergiu-Alin Bochiș,
Emil Marian Arbănași,
Alexandra Ioana Lucan,
Viorela Romina Murvai,
Dana Carmen Zaha
Affiliations
Casandra-Maria Radu
Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Carmen Corina Radu
Department of Forensic Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
Sergiu-Alin Bochiș
Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Emil Marian Arbănași
Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
Alexandra Ioana Lucan
Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Viorela Romina Murvai
Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Dana Carmen Zaha
Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 1 University Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
The extensive use of antibiotics has resulted in the development of drug-resistant bacteria, leading to a decline in the efficacy of traditional antibiotic treatments. Essential oils (EOs) are phytopharmaceuticals, or plant-derived compounds, that possess beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, bacteriostatic, and bactericidal effects. In this review, we present scientific findings on the activity of EOs as an alternative therapy for common oral diseases. This narrative review provides a deeper understanding of the medicinal properties of EOs and their application in dentistry. It not only evaluates the effectiveness of these oils as antibacterial agents against common oral bacteria but also covers general information such as composition, methods of extraction, and potential toxicity. Further nonclinical and clinical studies must be conducted to determine their potential use and safety for treating oral diseases.
