Mouthwash solutions with microencapsuled natural extracts: Efficiency for dental plaque and gingivitis

Mouthwash solutions are mainly used for their antiseptic properties. They currently include synthetic agents (chlorhexidine, triclosan, etc.) or essential oils (especially Listerine). Many natural extracts may also he used. These associate both antiseptic effects and direct action on host response, due to their antioxidant, immunoregulatory, analgesic, buffering, or healing properties. The best known are avocado oil, manuka oil, propolis oil, grapefruit seed extract, pycnogenol, aloe vera, Q10 coenzyme, green tea, and megamin. The development of new technologies, such as microencapsulation (GingiNat (R) concept), may allow an in situ slow release of active ingredients during several hours, and open new perspectives for mouthwash solutions. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.