Olive oil-based interventions for gingival inflammation and plaque control- A systematic review of clinical evidence

Background Natural compounds have gained attention for their therapeutic potential in managing oral conditions. Olive oil, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, may offer clinical benefits in managing gingivitis. Objectives This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of olive oil in reducing gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation in patients with gingivitis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, PROQUEST, and EBSCOhost databases to identify studies published between January 2002 and August 2025 that assessed the impact of olive oil on gingival health. Details collected included the study design, characteristics of participants, nature of the intervention, outcome measures, and principal findings. Results Twelve studies that meet the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Evidence suggests that olive oil administered through various forms including, oil pulling, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and ozonated preparations, generally reduced gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation. Ozonated olive oil demonstrated superior efficacy compared to regular olive oil. Few studies found that olive oil interventions are comparable to chlorhexidine in reducing gingival inflammation. Conclusion Olive oil appears to be a promising natural adjunct in the management of gingivitis, particularly in ozonated form. While current findings are encouraging, further high-quality studies with standardized methodologies and extended follow-up durations are required to confirm these outcomes and frame clinical guidelines. Dental practitioners may consider incorporating olive oil-based products as an adjunctive option alongside conventional gingivitis treatments.