Abstract

SIN, Cynthya et al. Essential oils with antibacterial activity: possible uses and administration in the dental practice. Odontología Vital [online]. 2021, n.35, pp.32-43. ISSN 1659-0775.

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, whose clinical consequences are directly related to the quality of life of individuals. Likewise, dental care requires a high cost and is often beyond the reach of certain communities. Although this disease is produced by the confluence of different factors, one of them is the economic factor, which is why a low-cost medicinal alternative is sought, and the approach in turn of another factor, perhaps the most important, which implies the development and multiplication of the initiating microorganism of this disease that is Streptococcus mutans.

Currently, the consumption of medicines of natural origin is known for the treatment of some diseases, including tooth decay. The use of essential oils that prevent the development of St. mutans in dental biofilm is being investigated and the objective of this work is to update the knowledge about its biocidal action and its applications in dentistry. The objective of this work is to update the knowledge on the biocidal action of essential oils and their possible applications in dentistry.

Results The essential oils from citrus fruits such as lemon, mandarin, orange, as well as eucalyptus and oregano, show bacteriostatic activity, and in some cases, bactericidal against Gram + and Gram - bacteria. Conclusion according to the information collected, the use of these oils through biotechnology would be beneficial and would contribute to the management of oral health without altering the normal oral microflora of the human being.

Keywords : anitmicrobials; dental caries; Streptococcus mutans; functional foods.

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