Avaliação antimicrobiana e dos parâmetros salivares de dentifrícios contendo carvacrol e timol: estudo duplo-cego, prospectivo e randomizado

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the antibacterial action against Streptococcus mutans, besides evaluating the salivary flow, pH and buffer capacity of different dentifrices based on essential oils in different concentrations associated with fluoride. The sample consisted of 40 adults of both genders, aged between 18 and 45 years old, with or without active caries, companions of patients attending the Clinic 1 of the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza (CE). The study design consisted of a double-blind, randomized, prospective clinical trial. First the total stimulated saliva of all adults was collected. Then, before brushing with one of the following formulated dentifrices: (1) 1% thymol + 1000 ppm fluorine; (2) Thymol 2% + 1000 ppm fluorine; (3) Carvacrol 1% + 1000 ppm fluorine; (4) Carvacrol 2% + 1000 ppm fluorine; and (5) 1000ppm of fluoride (control), adults received standardized instruction in oral hygiene practices. After brushing for 1 minute a new collection was performed. A satisfaction questionnaire was requested after completion of the presented formulation. Data were tabulated for statistical analysis, and the results with significance level ≤ 0.05 were considered. The final salivary flow measured after application of the dentifrices was shown to increase in all 5 groups studied (Carvacrol 1% p = 0.001, Carvacrol 2% p = 0.006, Thymol 1% p = 0.001, Thymol 2% p = 0.001 and Control p = 0.000). Salivary pH had a mean increase in all groups, but only the Carvacrol 2% and Thymol 1% groups had significant increases (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). In the variable salivary buffer capacity, there was a significant increase in all groups containing thymol (Thymol 1% p = 0.009 and Thymol 2% p = 0.026) and carvacrol (Carvacrol 1% p = 0.001 and Carvacrol 2% p = 0.036) . Reduction of S. mutans was observed only in the 1% (p = 0.024) and 2% (p = 0.029) and Control (p = 0.012) groups. The carvacrol-containing group showed no significant reduction of S. mutans. The satisfaction questionnaire showed that carvacrol has a greater burning sensation when compared to thymol and that these essential oils have an odor perceived by study participants. Thus, it is concluded that the use of essential oils, such as thymol and carvacrol, help the dentifrices containing fluoride in the preventive treatment of dental caries. However, studies should be performed to reduce undesirable effects such as burning caused by these natural oils when associated with dentifrices.