Objective: the current study was conducted to investigate the effect of essential oil (EO) modification of glass ionomer cement (GIC) on antibacterial activity and compressive strength. Methods: A total of 100 specimens were prepared; 50 specimens for the antibacterial activity test (3 mm x 2 mm) and 50 specimens for the compressive strength test (4 mm x 6 mm). Specimens were divided into five groups (n=10) according to the type of the essential oil used in modification of GIC; Group 1: unmodified glass ionomer cement (control group); Group 2: 2.5% bergamot modified GIC; Group 3: 2.5% peppermint modified GIC Group 4: 2.5% lemongrass modified GIC and Group 5: 2.5 % fennel modified GIC. Antibacterial activity was assessed using agar diffusion test. Compressive strength test was performed using universal testing machine. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: Bergamot modified GIC recorded the highest mean inhibition zone, followed by fennel, then lemongrass and peppermint. The lowest mean value was revealed by the control group. Regarding compressive strength results, control group showed the highest mean value, followed by lemongrass, then peppermint and bergamot. The lowest mean value was recorded by fennel modified GIC. Conclusion: Essential oil modification of GIC was effective in enhancing the antibacterial activity although it adversely affects compressive strength in comparison to the control group. Lemongrass and peppermint essential oil modification of GIC were effective in improving antibacterial property while preserving an acceptable compressive strength according to the ISO standards.
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