Vol 13 Issue 6 November 2026-December 2026
Dr. LAKSHMI PRIYA, NISHAL.K
Abstract: Plaque-induced gingivitis is a reversible inflammatory condition associated with the accumulation and maturation of dental biofilm at the gingival margin. Mechanical plaque removal remains the foundation of management, while antimicrobial mouthrinses may provide adjunctive chemical plaque control when additional suppression of microbial burden is required. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is widely used because of its broad antimicrobial spectrum and substantivity, but repeated exposure is associated with clinically relevant local adverse effects. Tea tree oil (TTO), an essential oil derived from Melaleuca alternifolia, has attracted attention because its terpene-rich composition provides antimicrobial activity and may also influence inflammatory pathways. This narrative review integrates the evidence contained in the supplied randomized clinical trial and the accompanying review manuscript, with emphasis on oral biofilm ecology, Streptococcus mutans, mechanisms of CHX and TTO, formulation considerations, clinical indices, microbiological outcomes, cytotoxicity, tolerability and future research. In the reported 15-day clinical study, both 1% TTO and 0.12% CHX were associated with significant reductions in plaque and gingival indices. The reductions in plaque and gingival scores did not differ significantly between groups, whereas CHX produced larger reductions in cultured streptococcal and anaerobic bacterial counts. which itself inhibited growth, limiting attribution of the effect exclusively to TTO. Cytotoxicity results require similarly cautious interpretation.
Keywords: tea tree oil; chlorhexidine; gingivitis; dental biofilm; Streptococcus mutans; oral microbiology; antimicrobial activity; cytotoxicity; mouthwash.
Title: TEA TREE OIL VERSUS CHLORHEXIDINE IN PLAQUE-INDUCED GINGIVITIS
Author: Dr. LAKSHMI PRIYA, NISHAL.K
International Journal of Novel Research in Life Sciences
ISSN 2394-966X
Vol. 13, Issue 6, November 2026 – December 2026
Page No: 1-12
Novelty Journals
Website: www.noveltyjournals.com
Published Date: 03-November-2026
