Dental Tissue Conditioner with Lemongrass Oil: How Well Does It Hold Up?

Jenn Hoskins
9th August, 2024

Dental Tissue Conditioner with Lemongrass Oil: How Well Does It Hold Up?

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from Mahidol University explored using lemongrass essential oil in tissue conditioners to improve oral health in maxillectomy patients
  • Lemongrass essential oil at 1.77% concentration maintained the mechanical properties of tissue conditioners and provided effective antifungal protection
  • Higher concentrations of lemongrass essential oil (≥3.56%) and Nystatin reduced the bond strength of tissue conditioners, potentially compromising their durability
Maintaining oral hygiene and preventing opportunistic infections in patients who have undergone a maxillectomy (surgical removal of part or all of the upper jaw) presents significant challenges. These patients often face compromised oral health, making them susceptible to infections such as oropharyngeal candidiasis, a common fungal infection caused by Candida species[2][3][4]. A promising approach to mitigate these risks involves the use of tissue conditioners—a material used to improve the fit and comfort of dentures—incorporated with antifungal agents. Recent research from Mahidol University explored the incorporation of lemongrass essential oil into tissue conditioners to assess its antifungal properties and mechanical performance[1]. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of lemongrass essential oil at different concentrations on the mechanical properties of tissue conditioners, specifically tensile bond strength (TBS) and Shore A hardness (SAH). These properties are critical as they determine the durability and comfort of the tissue conditioner used in dental prosthetics. The presence of lemongrass essential oil in the tissue conditioner was confirmed using Raman spectroscopy, a technique that provides detailed information about molecular composition. Unmodified tissue conditioner served as the control, while experimental groups included tissue conditioners with lemongrass essential oil at concentrations of 1.77%, 3.56%, and 7.17% (w/w), and another group with Nystatin, a known antifungal agent. The SAH of the specimens was measured at various intervals (2 hours, 24 hours, 7 days, and 30 days), and the TBS was assessed using a universal testing machine. The results demonstrated that the unmodified tissue conditioner, the 1.77% lemongrass essential oil group, and the Nystatin group showed no significant differences in SAH up to 7 days. However, at 30 days, the 1.77% lemongrass essential oil and Nystatin groups had significantly lower SAH compared to the control group. This indicates that while the mechanical properties of the tissue conditioner are initially maintained, they may degrade over time with the addition of antifungal agents. Regarding TBS, the 1.77% lemongrass essential oil group showed no significant difference compared to the control group, maintaining acceptable bond strength. In contrast, higher concentrations of lemongrass essential oil (≥3.56%) and Nystatin significantly decreased TBS, suggesting that higher antifungal agent concentrations might compromise the mechanical integrity of the tissue conditioner. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of citral, a key component of lemongrass essential oil, in the tissue conditioners at both 2 hours and 14 days, indicating the long-lasting presence of the antifungal agent. This study builds on previous findings that highlight the importance of managing oral health in patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatments[2][3][4]. Radiation therapy, for example, often leads to oral mucositis and increased susceptibility to infections, necessitating effective and long-lasting antifungal solutions[3]. Additionally, the prevalence of Candida species in patients with compromised oral health, such as denture wearers, underscores the need for effective antifungal treatments[4][5]. In conclusion, the incorporation of lemongrass essential oil into tissue conditioners at a concentration of 1.77% (w/w) provides both effective antifungal properties and maintains acceptable mechanical properties, making it a promising solution for improving oral health in maxillectomy patients. This approach offers a dual benefit of enhancing the comfort and fit of dental prosthetics while simultaneously reducing the risk of fungal infections, thereby improving the overall quality of life for these patients.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Mechanical properties of dental tissue conditioner containing lemongrass essential oil.

Published 7th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prosdent.2024.07.014

Related Studies

2) A simple technique to fabricate a surgical obturator restoring the defect in original anatomical form.

https://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2011.3.2.106

3) Common oral complications of head and neck cancer radiation therapy: mucositis, infections, saliva change, fibrosis, sensory dysfunctions, dental caries, periodontal disease, and osteoradionecrosis.

https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.1221

4) Oral Candidiasis among Cancer Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai, South India: An Evaluation of Clinicomycological Association and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8758461

5) Isolation of Candida spp. from denture-related stomatitis in Pará, Brazil.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjm.2017.07.001


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