CompletedNot Applicable

Essential Oils Mouth Rinse and Dental Floss: Efficacy on Interproximal Gingivitis and Dental Plaque Accumulation

Portugal60 participantsStarted 2007-09

Plain-language summary

It is difficult to obtain patient's compliance with regular interproximal dental hygiene. Dental floss is recognized as an effective procedure to remove dental plaque and prevent gingivitis in the space between teeth, but it is difficult to use and most patients do no do it regularly. Essential oils mouthrinse acts on dental plaque bacteria and helps on gingivitis prevention. These properties may be of interest to control dental plaque accumulation and gingivitis in interproximal areas. The study hypothesis states that there are no differences between the use of an essential oils mouthrinse and dental floss on the reduction of dental plaque accumulation and gingivitis.

Who can participate

Age range

15 Years – 85 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * To be a student at the Dental Hygiene programme at the Lisbon Dental School * Signature on informed consent form * Have, at least, two quadrant with 6 teeth each * Presence of dental plaque Exclusion Criteria: * Use of a mouthrinse * Dental hygiene appointment in the past 6 months * Use of antibiotics in the past 3 months * Presence of extensive caries and fractures of teeth

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Lobene Gingival Index

Timeframe: change from baseline in gingival index at two weeks

Saxton & Ouderaa Bleeding Index

Timeframe: change from baseline in bleeding index at two weeks

Quigley, Hein & Turesky Dental Plaque Index

Timeframe: change from baseline in plaque index at two weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01236963

SponsorUniversity of Lisbon

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2008-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Gingivitis trials