Effect of Tea Tree Oil in Chronic Periodontitis Patients: A Clinical and Microbiological Study

Abstract

Aims and objectives: Tea tree oil (TTO) is known to have antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effect. Periodontitis, chronic inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth leading to loss of the periodontal ligament and bone, results in disruption of the balance between periodontopathic bacteria and the host response to these microorganisms. We tried to evaluate the effects of TTO alone and in combination with scaling and root planning (SRP) in a triple blind, randomized controlled clinical trial of volunteers with chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods: Thirty systemically healthy, chronic periodontitis patients were included. The study period was 21 days and the "split-mouth" design was used. Tea tree oil films were inserted in the selected pockets on day 0, removed, and reinserted on day 7. Statistical analysis was done for comparisons of clinical parameters [plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and microbiological levels of the pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia]. Results: At day 21, the PI and GBI were significantly reduced by all treatment modalities. When ranked, the amount of PI and GBI reduction by the different treatments was SRP + TTO, SRP, TTO. For PPD and CAL, the best result was obtained with the SRP + TTO. Conclusion: Tea tree oil could serve as a useful adjunct or alternative to periodontal treatment. Clinical significance: Chronic periodontitis is the most prevailing dental problem in the elderly people. Tea tree oil can be most effectively used as a local drug delivery in those affected patients.