Herbal oral care products     In in vitro tests, tea tree oil showed a good antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and fungi (CARSON & RILEY 1995, HAMMER et al. 2000, MAUDSLEY & KERR 1999). Resistance to tea tree oil has not been reported yet.   Already at the beginning of the last century, tea tree oil was recommended as an antiseptic in dentistry (MACDONALD 1930). The action of tea tree oil on oral microorganisms was proved in 2 different studies (SHAPIRO et al. 1994, WALSH & LONGSTAFF 1987).
A study was carried out in the Clinical Dentistry Center in Basel. The bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal / fungicidal activity of tea tree oil in an oral applicable gel form (TEBODONT) and a solution against oral microorganisms were tested and proved (KULIK et al. 2000).   The efficacy of TEBODONT Mouthrinse was tested in a randomised double-blind study in respect of plaque growth and inflammation. The TEBODONT Mouthrinse significantly reduced the inflammation (26-32%) from the start of application and during the following 3 months of treatment. The reduction was even more pronounced on the areas where the toothbrush does not reach the surface of the teeth. While applying the test mouthrinse the plaque amount was reduced significantly on all tooth surfaces, whereas plaque increased on all surfaces with the placebo mouthrinse (SAXER et al. 2003).   Australien examinators assessed the effects of a tea tree oil gel, a chlorhexidine gel and a placebo gel on dental plaque and chronic gingivitis in an 8 weeks double-blind study in 49 patients with severe chronic gingivitis. The tea tree oil group had a significant reduction of the PBI (Papillary bleeding Index). Although none of the groups did significantly reduce PSS (Plaque Staining Score), the reduction of the gingivitis was more pronounced in the tea tree oil group compared to the other groups (SOUKOULIS & HIRSCH 2004).

Indications: Irritation of the gums and the mucous membrane. Denture pressure spots. Difficult oral hygiene.   Characteristics: antimicrobial, fungicidal, antiseptic   Active ingredients: Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil)

TEBODONT Spray Melaleuca Alternifolia 2,5% •  pH value: 7,5 •  apply 1-2 pump sprays 4-6 x per day, do not spit out, do not rinse     TEBODONT Gel Melaleuca Alternifolia 2% •  pH value: 7 •  excellent adhesive properties •  no discolouration of the teeth and no change of the sense of taste   spray 25 ml with rotating canula   tube 20 ml		TEBODONT Mouthrinse Melaleuca Alternifolia 1,5% •  pH value: 6,5 •  supporting ingredient: Xylitol (anticaries, antiplaque) •  slightly viscous, excellent adherence •  moistens the mucous membrane •  without alcohol and preservatives •  no discolouration of the teeth and no change of the sense of taste     TEBODONT Mouthrinse contains in addition •  Sodium fluoride (250 ppm F¯)   bottle 400 ml       bottle 250 ml		TEBODONT Toothpaste Melaleuca Alternifolia 0,75% •  pH value: 6,5 •  RDA value: 20 (slightly abrasive) •  supporting ingredients: Xylitol (anticaries, antiplaque) Sodium fluoride (1250 ppm F¯) •  additional minerals: Potassium, Phosphate, Chloride, Sodium •  no discolouration of the teeth and no change of the sense of taste     TEBODONT Stretch floss Melaleuca Alternifolia •  becomes thicker in contact with the saliva and allows an efficient cleaning of the interdental spaces •  tea tree oil enhances plaque removal   dispenser 50 m    tube 75 ml
intensive treatment		daily treatment		daily treatment

CARSON C.F., Riley T.V.: Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. J Appl. Bacteriol 78: 264-269, 1995.   HAMMER K.A., CARSON C.F.: RILEY T.V.: In vitro activities of ketoconazole, econazole, miconazole and Mealeuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) against Malassezia species. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 44: 467-469, 2000.   KULIK E., LENKEIT K., MEYER J.: Antimikrobielle Wirkung von Teebaumöl (Melaleuca alternifolia) auf orale Mikroorganismen. Schweiz. Monatsschr Zahnmed, Acta Med Dent Helv Vol 5:125, 11, 2000.   MACDONALD V.: The rationale of treatment. Aust J Dent 34: 281-285, 1930.   MAUDSLEY F., KERR K.G.: Microbiological safety of essential oils used in complementary therapies and the activity of these compounds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Support Care Cancer 7: 100-102, 1999.   SAXER U.P., STÄUBLE A., SZABO S.H., MENGHINI G.: Wirkung einer Mundspülung mit Teebaumöl auf Plaque und Entzündung. Schweiz. Monatsschr Zahnmed, Vol 113:9, 2003.   SHAPIRO S., MEIER A., GUGGENHEIM B.: The antimicrobial activity of essential oils and essential oil components towards oral bacteria. Oral Microbiol Immunol 9: 202-208, 1994.   SOUKOULIS S., HIRSCH R.: The effects of a tea tree oil-containing gel on plaque and chronic gingivitis. Austr Dent Jn 49 (2) 78-83, 2004.   WALSH L.J., LONGSTAFF J: The antimicrobial effects of an essential oil on selected oral pathogens. Periodontology 8: 11-15, 1987.