Additional Authors

Leo Lu, DDS 2024; Parker Smith, DDS 2025; Brendon Lowder, DDS 2026; Arick Christopher, DDS 2026; Daniel Pang, DDS 2026; Daniel Covarrubias, DDS 2026; Tyler West, DDS 2026; & Easton Ellis, DDS 2026

Presentation Category

Other

Introduction/Context/Diagnosis

Frankincense oil, originating from Boswellia trees in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, has a rich history as a valuable remedy for various diseases. Recent scientific research has revealed its potential therapeutic effects on oral health, contributing to oral disease prevention and maintenance. As interest in natural remedies grows and concerns regarding side effects of synthetic drugs persist, frankincense serves as a promising candidate for adjunctive therapy. This study examines the impact of frankincense on the oral microbiome, focusing on its antimicrobial properties against pathogenic oral bacteria – P. gingivalis, and F. nucleatum – that contribute to dental caries and periodontal disease. The therapeutic effects of frankincense present a compelling area for research for several reasons. Firstly, oral diseases such as caries and periodontal disease are prevalent amongst millions of individuals worldwide, posing significant health and economic problems. Investigating natural remedies like frankincense can offer a promising alternative to conventional treatments. The findings of this research could have profound implications for oral health management, such as offering a safe, accessible, and cost-effective solution for preventing and managing common oral diseases. To measure the effects of frankincense on these bacteria, saliva samples will be collected with a RNA/DNA stabilizing solution from volunteers prior to and after using a frankincense mouthwash solution. Volunteers will be divided into two separate groups, one group with a frankincense solution and one group without. After seven days of treatment, a PCR assay with control and experimental saliva samples will be performed to analyze the quantity of oral pathogens. Preliminary results will be shown. PCR amplification will be performed using primers specific for each bacterial strain, allowing for sample analysis.

Comments/Acknowledgements

Presentation Category: PIP: Bench or Clinical Research

Location

Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry, 155 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

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Presentation

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Dentistry Commons

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May 8th, 2:15 PM May 8th, 5:00 PM

The Effects of Frankincense on Pathogenic Bacteria in the Oral Microbiome

Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry, 155 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

Frankincense oil, originating from Boswellia trees in the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia, has a rich history as a valuable remedy for various diseases. Recent scientific research has revealed its potential therapeutic effects on oral health, contributing to oral disease prevention and maintenance. As interest in natural remedies grows and concerns regarding side effects of synthetic drugs persist, frankincense serves as a promising candidate for adjunctive therapy. This study examines the impact of frankincense on the oral microbiome, focusing on its antimicrobial properties against pathogenic oral bacteria – P. gingivalis, and F. nucleatum – that contribute to dental caries and periodontal disease. The therapeutic effects of frankincense present a compelling area for research for several reasons. Firstly, oral diseases such as caries and periodontal disease are prevalent amongst millions of individuals worldwide, posing significant health and economic problems. Investigating natural remedies like frankincense can offer a promising alternative to conventional treatments. The findings of this research could have profound implications for oral health management, such as offering a safe, accessible, and cost-effective solution for preventing and managing common oral diseases. To measure the effects of frankincense on these bacteria, saliva samples will be collected with a RNA/DNA stabilizing solution from volunteers prior to and after using a frankincense mouthwash solution. Volunteers will be divided into two separate groups, one group with a frankincense solution and one group without. After seven days of treatment, a PCR assay with control and experimental saliva samples will be performed to analyze the quantity of oral pathogens. Preliminary results will be shown. PCR amplification will be performed using primers specific for each bacterial strain, allowing for sample analysis.

 
 

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