Essential Oils in Holistic Dentistry – Part 2

For Part 1 of this blog, click here.

Peppermint

• • digestion
  • analgesic & anti-inflammatory
  • antioxidant; inhibits bacteria that cause tooth decay

Tea Tree

• • antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral
  • useful in treating chronic gingivitis and periodontitis
  • anti-inflammatory
  • astringent and antiseptic

Mastic

• • maintains connective tissue in your mouth
  • helps remove tooth plaque
  • antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial
  • antiseptic, and inhibits bacteria including H. Pylori (which causes stomach ulcers)
  • supports immune system

Clove bud

• • analgesic
  • relieves toothaches
  • freshens breath
  • antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral
  • boosts immune system and stimulates blood flow
  • helps gum infections, toothaches, and tonsillitis

Neem

• • fungicidal, antibacterial
  • can be used locally around teeth and gums for periodontal and tooth infections
  • anti-inflammatory, vaso-dilating, and pain relieving
  • kills bacteria that causes tooth decay
  • has an alkaline effect on saliva, gums, and mouth
  • kills bacteria that cause gum disease

Cinnamon

• • antiseptic, antibacterial
  • stimulates blood circulation to gums
  • anesthetic and antiseptic properties that increase production of white blood cells

Oregano

• • antiseptic, analgesic, and antibacterial
  • works similar to an antibiotic
  • effective against fungi, viruses, and bacteria
  • destroys plaque-causing bacteria and reduces risk of gum disease

Other oils effective for your mouth include:

• lavender
• eucalyptus
• orange
• rosemary

Peppermint oil has the ability to inhibit biofilm formation in the mouth and provides a therapeutic benefit treating periodontitis, gingivitis, and halitosis.  It can be added to toothpaste and used daily.

Clove oil has anti fungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties and it’s a common ingredient in our dental products.  It can be applied to sensitive teeth or gum by adding it to a carrier oil.

Cinnamon oil inhibit the growth of Gram-positive (often found in a tooth abscess) and Gram-negative (associated with periodontitis) bacteria and fungi (associated with thrush).  Cinnamon oil must be diluted before its use. 

Tea tree oil has wide uses, ranging from its effects on periodontal disease, apthous (canker) ulcers, decay, and toothaches.  It can also be used as an antiseptic. 

Lavender oil can be added to a carrier oil and used twice daily to battle canker sores.