Ever thought of using essential oils to benefit your oral health? Essential oils can help suppress many of your oral problems without disrupting the health-giving microbial species in our mouths. Infused in oral hygiene products to be a good conductor in our mouths, essential oils are safe to use.

Nowadays, essential oils are becoming popular because of their large health benefits.

Since 2000 BC, essential oils have been used because of its extraordinary healing and curative benefits. In recent years, essential oils have been widely used in healthcare industries like personal care, ingestion, and aromatherapy. Here are some of the best essential oils for healthy teeth and gums.

 Let's have a look around a few of these -

Peppermint essential oil

While it kills bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease, it also effectively soothes toothache and is antifungal.

Cinnamon essential oil

As per the studies, cinnamon oil is effective in inhibiting bacterial species. It also has an antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect, which is why it was used long back to treat toothache.

Clove essential oil

Clove essential oil is no less beneficial than the other two since it is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. From fighting several known oral bacteria to easing a toothache by applying directly to the gums, clove oil can stop the growth of bacteria.

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)

The benefits of coconut oil are unhidden when it comes to your oral health. Coconut oil for oral health has been used since ancient times as an oil pulling therapy. Lauric acid, an active ingredient present in coconut  oil, is known to react with compounds present in saliva that helps clean as well as reduces plaque adhesion and accumulation. 

Apart from its cleaning properties, It also has antimicrobial properties, and it can help keep gums moist—helping people with dry mouths.

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil

Many oral care products contain eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil is known to treat toothache, reduces swelling of the gums, kills germs, improves healing, and eliminates bad breath. According to studies, eucalyptus oil has  antibacterial and anti-plaque properties, which enables it to help fight gum disease and decay. Healing wounds, addressing pain, and reducing inflammation have been among its traditional uses. The potent yet refreshing flavor of eucalyptus oil is also known to address bad breath.  

Tea Tree oil

Tea tree oil is another essential oil with numerous benefits on oral health.  It is used as an ancient remedy to eliminate bad breath by fighting plaque causing bacteria. Tea tree oil can act as a critical ingredient in mouthwash preparation. The oil is innately capable of fighting bacteria and preventing decay, as well as relieving bleeding gums.

Make sure to spit it out and rinse your mouth with water immediately after use.

Oregano oil

This oregano oil is rich in antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Use of this oil for oral health can help fight fungal and bacterial infections. Oregano oil is also known to boost the immune system and can thus be used in oil-pulling treatments like coconut  oil.

Sesame oil 

Your dental care regimen might not include sesame oil, but it's a great way to neutralize acid and boost dental health. It is believed that sesame seeds reduce plaque and remineralize tooth enamel. Oil pulling is a method of gargling with sesame oil that is popular in Ayurvedic medicine. Washing with sesame oil was just as effective as using chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque, gingival scores, and the total bacterial count among individuals suffering with plaque-induced gingivitis.

Different studies tested the effects of using a herbal mouthwash consisting of tea tree oil, cloves, and basil for 21 days.

There was a significant reduction in plaque and bacteria in the mouth and an improvement in gum health.

While we know these oils are not going to be harmful. However, it is best to visit a dentist in case of irritation. One should always look for pure oils without anything added, especially if you’re more likely to have an allergic reaction to oils with other ingredients. 

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About the Author:

Suprithi Choudhary, M.Pharm (Pharmacology) Medical Content writer

Suprithi is a Pharma Professional working as a medical content writer and previously worked as a Research Scientist and Senior Research Analyst

Education

• C.M Academy
• Attended the Panjab University- Chandigarh, Pharma post-graduate in Pharmacology

Special thanks to Dr Deepak Kulkarni, a dental surgeon with over 23 years of experience who proofread this blog. He graduated from the H.K.E's Dental College, Gulbarga, and has certifications in ACHS International Accreditation Education Plan; Advanced Rotary Endodontic - Restorative Continuum; and Leadership, Team Building and Customer Service Leadership from the Oscar Murphy International.