June 29, 2026
Tooth decay and periodontal disease are considered the most prevalent oral diseases. The disease is driven by multifactorial elements, including dental plaque, consumption of high carbohydrates or sugar diets, and poor oral hygiene behaviors. Neglected oral hygiene may lead to the persistence of dental plaque. If not removed regularly, the biofilm undergoes maturation, and the resulting pathogenic bacterial complex can lead to dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
Mouthwash is one of the most widely used methods for maintaining oral and dental health due to its practical application. Currently, natural antibacterial agents as active ingredients are increasingly favored over synthetic compounds, as natural compounds generally produce fewer side effects even with long‐term use. Researchers developed a lime essential oil mouthwash and found that a formulation containing 0.8% essential oil showed strong antibacterial activity against several bacteria associated with cavities, gingivitis, and oral infections, including S. mutans and P. gingivalis. In a preclinical model, the mouthwash also reduced gum inflammation and lowered inflammatory cell counts, suggesting it may help support healing of gingivitis. Importantly, the formulation met standard mouthwash quality requirements and was found to be non-toxic to normal fibroblast cells at practical use concentrations. The researchers concluded that lime essential oil has potential as a safe, natural alternative to conventional mouthwashes for helping prevent dental caries and gum disease, although human clinical studies are still needed to confirm these benefits.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13181426/