Prabhu, Srikumar K.

Efficacy of Melaleuca alternifolia and chlorhexidine mouth rinses in reducing oral malodor and Solobacterium moorei levels. A 1 week, randomized, double‑blind, parallel study - Vol.54(2), Mar-Apr - Mumbai Wolter Kluwer 2022 - 77-83p.

OBJECTIVES: The objective is to evaluate the association of Solobacterium moorei (S. moorei)
to halitosis and to also check for the effects of two different mouth rinses on levels of S. moorei in
saliva and tongue coating and its impact on oral halitosis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a placebo‑controlled parallel study of 160 individuals who
were randomized and the study was performed using double‑blinded protocol. Enrolled individuals
filled a structured questionnaire regarding demographic data, oral hygiene habits, and dietary habits.
Full mouth organoleptic odor scores (OLR), volatile sulfur compounds levels, Miyazaki’s tongue
coating index, and Plaque scores were recorded before intervention (baseline) and after 1‑week
post treatment. Microbiological samples obtained from the tongue and saliva was investigated for
S. moorei levels using real time polymerase chain reaction. Participants were randomly assigned for
two test mouth rinses (Melaleuca alternifolia and Chlorhexidine) and placebo groups.
RESULTS: All salivary and tongue coating samples were tested positive for S. moorei in the halitosis
group. One week post‑treatment S. moorei counts in saliva and tongue coating samples of test group
showed a significant reduction at P < 0.001. Paired t‑test results showed that Melaleuca alternifolia
was comparable with chlorhexidine in reduction of OLR, and VSC scores (P < 0.001). Salivary levels
of S. moorei in Melaleuca alternifolia group showed a higher reduction (5.67 log10 copies/mL) than
chlorhexidine group (5.1log10 copies/mL).
CONCLUSION: S. moorei showed a positive correlation with oral halitosis scores. Both Melaleuca
alternifolia and chlorhexidine were equally effective in reducing S. moorei levels and halitosis score.


PHARMACOLOGY