Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree) Oil Mouthwash on Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans: In Vitro Pilot Study

Abstract

Statement of Problem: In vitro efficacy studies should be conducted for alternatives to mouthwashes that are strong but have side effects such as chlorhexidine, derived from herbal oils and with known antimicrobial activity.

Objective: Herbal mouthwashes have attracted attention recently due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and fewer side effects than chemical preparations. In this case; Investigations of gingivitis and periodontitis agents Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans on mouthwashes containing Melaluca alternifolia (tea tree oil, TTO) were investigated and the comparison evaluation with the effect of chlorhexidine (CHX), which is accepted as the gold standard.

Material-Method: A 2% concentration of TTO was prepared, and suspensions of microorganisms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans by Mc Farland 0.5 standard were obtained. The macrodilution tube method was used to determine the lowest concentration inhibiting growth, and the disk diffusion method was used to determine the growth inhibition zones. Each method was applied for both TTO and CHX.

Results: It was determined that TTO did not inhibit the growth of S. mutans and C.albicans at 2% concentration and MIC value could not be obtained. On the other hand, it was observed that after the treatment of C.albicans with CHX, an inhibition diameter of 10 mm and S.mutans formed an inhibition diameter of 20 mm.

Conclusion: TTO cannot be a successful alternative to CHX for its 2% concentration; It has been concluded that it can increase its antimicrobial effect with different concentrations and other essential oil combinations.