Clinical trial of essential oil-based dentifrices for denture cleaning and patient satisfaction.

Purpose This randomized, controlled, crossover, and triple-blind clinical trial evaluated the antibiofilm action and patient acceptance of four experimental dentifrices with essential oils at 1%. Methods Participants (n= 24) selected based on eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to five groups: a positive control (chloramine T dentifrice), Melaleuca alternifolia (Ma), Pinus strobus (Ps), Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth (BvK), or Eucalyptus citriodora (Ec). They brushed their dentures three times/day with the provided brush and dentifrice for 14 days. A 7-day washout was established between each dentifrice use. Biofilm removal (computerized method), microbial load of Candida spp., Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Staphylococcus spp., Mutans streptococci, gram-negative bacteria, and total aerobes (colony-forming unit counting), cellular metabolism (XTT-assay), cell viability (flow cytometry), and patient satisfaction (questionnaire) were evaluated at baseline and after use of the dentifrices. Data were analyzed using Friedman's ANOVA and Cochran's Q Test for related samples (α= 0.05). Results The amount of biofilm (P= 0.004) and the microbial load of C. albicans (P= 0.003) were significantly lower after the use of the dentifrices compared to baseline. The dentifrices did not significantly affect cell viability (P= 0.170) or cellular metabolism (P= 0.814). No significant differences in patient acceptance were found between the experimental dentifrices and the positive control. Experimental dentifrices with 1% Melaleuca alternifolia, Pinus strobus, Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth, and Eucalyptus citriodora effectively cleaned dentures, reduced C. albicans load, and were well accepted by users. Clinical significance Essential oil-based dentifrices effectively remove denture biofilm and reduce Candida albicans load, providing a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic agents while being well accepted by users.