Essential oils as a therapeutic alternative for oral pathogens

Oral diseases represent a major global public health problem, affecting more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, with dental caries and periodontal disease being the most prevalent conditions. Risk factors such as high-carbohydrate diets, poor oral hygiene, and smoking contribute significantly to their incidence. In light of increasing bacterial resistance to conventional treatments, there is growing interest in accessible and safe therapeutic alternatives. The aim of this study was to review the scientific literature on the application of essential oils as antimicrobial agents in dentistry. A documentary review was conducted through searches in international databases, selecting studies published in the last ten years that evaluated the antimicrobial activity of essential oils against oral pathogens. Findings indicate that compounds such as eugenol, thymol, and carvacrol exhibit multifactorial mechanisms of action, including inhibition of bacterial growth, modulation of virulence gene expression, and reduction of biofilm formation. These results support the potential of essential oils as adjuvants in the prevention and treatment of dental caries and periodontal diseases. In conclusion, essential oils represent a promising therapeutic alternative in dentistry; however, clinical evidence remains limited. Controlled trials and standardized protocols are required to assess their biocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and effects on the oral microbiome to consolidate their application in clinical practice.