Essential oils (such as eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate and thymol to name a few) can be commonly found in mouthrinses (e.g. Listerine) and can help facilitate the control of plaque, periodontal disease and viral contamination of saliva.
Source: Von Fraunhofer et al, The effect of a mouthrinse containing essential oils on dental restorative materials, General Dentistry, Nov-Dec 2006 Vol 54, No 6, pg 403-407.
Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100