The Effects of Frankincense on Oral Health
Poster Number
32
Research or Creativity Area
Dentistry
Abstract
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 –S. mutans, P. gingivalis, and F. nucleatum – that contribute to dental caries and periodontal disease.
To measure the effects of frankincense on these bacteria, saliva samples were collected with a RNA/DNA stabilizing solution from volunteers prior to and after using a frankincense concentrated mouthwash solution. Volunteers were 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 was performed to analyze the quantity of oral pathogens. Preliminary results will be shown.
Purpose
The hypothesis of this study is that frankincense oil, due to its known antimicrobial properties, will demonstrate a reduction in the quantity of pathogenic oral bacteria, specifically S. mutans, P. gingivalis, and F. nucleatum, when used as a mouthwash solution.
The rationale behind this research comes from the increasing interest in natural remedies for healthcare and the growing concern of the side effects from synthetic drugs. Frankincense oil, with its historical use and emerging scientific evidence supporting its therapeutic effects, presents as a promising adjunctive therapy in oral health.
The study may reveal several potential outcomes. If the hypothesis holds true and frankincense oil demonstrates a reduction in pathogenic oral bacteria, it would provide compelling evidence for its efficacy as an antimicrobial agent in oral health maintenance. Conversely, if the results show no significant difference in bacterial quantity between the control group and frankincense-treated group, it can encourage further investigation into the mechanisms of action of frankincense oil and its efficacy as an oral health remedy. Additionally, unexpected findings in bacterial quantity between different individuals or bacterial strains could uncover nuances in the interaction between frankincense oil and the oral microbiome, leading to more potential research avenues in the future.
Location
Don and Karen DeRosa University Center (DUC) Poster Hall
Start Date
27-4-2024 10:30 AM
End Date
27-4-2024 12:30 PM
The Effects of Frankincense on Oral Health
Don and Karen DeRosa University Center (DUC) Poster Hall
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 –S. mutans, P. gingivalis, and F. nucleatum – that contribute to dental caries and periodontal disease.
To measure the effects of frankincense on these bacteria, saliva samples were collected with a RNA/DNA stabilizing solution from volunteers prior to and after using a frankincense concentrated mouthwash solution. Volunteers were 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 was performed to analyze the quantity of oral pathogens. Preliminary results will be shown.
