Effects of aroma mouthwash on stress level, xerostomia, and halitosis in healthy nurses: A non-randomized controlled clinical trial

IntroductionStress may increase halitosis. As aromatherapy is known to reduce stress, this study aimed to investigate the effects of aroma mouthwash using peppermint, lemon, tea tree, and ylang ylang oil on stress level, xerostomia, halitosis, and salivary pH of nurses.MethodsOne hundred twenty nurses were allocated to one of three groups, aroma gargling (N = 40), saline gargling (N = 40) or no-treatment (N = 40). The aromatic gargle solution was blended by a certified aromatherapist and researcher. Peppermint (Mentha piperita), lemon (Citrus limon), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), and ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) were mixed in 1:1:2:1 ratios. For gargling, the nurses who consented to participate in the study used 15-30 cm3 of the blended aromatic gargle solution 3 times every day. The time spent on gargling was about 10-15 s each time.ResultsThe perceived stress in the aroma gargling group lowered significantly compared with control group and saline group at 10 (p < .001) and 30 min (p < .001). Xerostomia in the aroma group decreased significantly compared with the saline solution and control groups after the treatment (p < .001). Aroma gargling reduced objective halitosis (p < .001 after 10 min; p < .001after 30 min). Salivary pH in the aroma group significantly increased compared with control and saline group (p < .001 after10 min; p < .001 after 30 min).ConclusionThe aroma gargle was an effective intervention for relieving stress of the nurses, decreasing xerostomia, and reducing objective halitosis. Using an aroma gargle may enhance the quality of life of nurses.