Antimicrobial activity of Five Different Essential oils against Enterococcus Faecalis: An In vitro study

Refractory root canal infection is mostly associated with enterococcus faecalis. The chemomechanical cleaning of root canal is one of the most critical steps in endodontic treatment. Intracanal medicaments are used as a supplementary disinfection process. Essential oils are rich in antibacterial properties and can be used against bacteria in root canals.Aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial activity of 5 essential oils mixed with calcium hydroxide against E.faecalis

Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) was assigned as test organism, inoculated into Brain heart infusion broth, incubated overnight at 370 C and subcultured onto Brain heart infusion agar. 4 cup wells of 10 mm diameter were bored in each petriplate. These wells were then filled with freshly prepared test medicaments and incubated for 24 hours in upright position. The zones of inhibition were analyzed and diameters were measured using a ruler.

The mean zone of inhibition was significantly higher among Geranium oil + Ca(OH)2, Lemon grass oil+ Ca(OH)2, Rosemary oil+ Ca(OH)2 and Saline + Ca(OH)2 when compared to Jojoba oil +Ca(OH)2 and Almond oil+ Ca(OH)2.

Calcium hydroxide combined with essential oils can be used as an effective intracanal medicament against E.faecalis.