Essential Oils for Oral Health

Essential oils have been around for thousands of years and have been used to treat and heal many health issues including skin infections, burns, wounds, and even oral health. If you are looking for a natural way to keep your teeth and gums healthy as a holistic approach to health, there are plant-based extracts that have various oral benefits. In addition to regular dental checkups and cleanings, your oral health can benefit from essential oils in freshening breath, fighting bacteria, resisting plaque buildup, and assisting in enamel protection.

In this article, your Fuquay-Varina dentist at Hamby Family Dental Center provides information regarding essential oils and their benefits and has compiled a list of some of the essential oils that can help you maintain healthy gums and teeth.

How Essential Oils Can Keep Teeth Clean

Holistic dentistry and medicine have grown more popular in recent years as people search for alternatives to chemical-based solutions. Essential oils are used in holistic health because of their all-natural approach to wellness and hygiene. Holistic dentistry works to improve both your teeth and the overall health of your body, based on the thought that an organic approach is healthier than chemical-based solutions.

Using natural methods instead of chemicals can be effective in achieving strong, healthy teeth and healthy gums. Essential oils can be used in combination with other holistic treatments like oil pulling and pH-balanced tooth enamel pastes and mouthwashes to reduce harmful bacteria.

Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Oral Health

The primary benefits of using essential oils to assist in oral health include:

• Preventing bad breath
• Promoting gum health
• Fighting off tooth decay and preventing cavities

Essential Oils for Teeth Cleaning and Oral Health

The attraction to using essential oils in dentistry is that they may not pose such as risk to your body as products that contain dangerous chemicals. When used in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing, essential oils can be a core component of your preventative oral hygiene routine. Here are some of the essential oils that are most used for cleaning your teeth and maintaining your oral health.

Clove

Clinical research shows that clove oil can relieve tooth pain, eliminate bad breath, and reduce gum disease. Clove oil also can restrict the development of bacteria (antimicrobial) and aid in fighting mouth and throat infections.

Oregano

Oregano is a strong antioxidant that contains anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce bacterial and fungal infections. Oregano oil can help boost the immune system and may be used in combination with coconut oil for oil-pulling treatments.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial as well as anti-inflammatory effects. It is often included in products for dentistry that are used as sealants and solvents for root canal fillings. Eucalyptus oil is also used as a flavoring agent in mouthwash and toothpaste and has long been an ingredient in cough drops and throat lozenges.

Thyme

Thyme is often used in mouthwashes to add flavor and freshness to oral health treatments. It contains natural components that help fight tooth decay, gingivitis, and general oral infections.

Peppermint

Peppermint is most known for its minty taste and scent. However, peppermint oil also is antibacterial and antifungal which makes it helpful in fighting germs that cause bad breath, cavities, and other oral health problems. It is used as an antiseptic in oral preparations and has an antioxidant effect as well.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is a natural remedy for bad breath and has constituents that make it suitable to use as a preventative dental care. Tea tree essential oil can be used in regular dental cleaning treatments to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums and stop the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Please note that you should not swallow tea tree oil; you must spit it out and rinse your mouth with water after using.

How to Use Essential Oils for Teeth Cleaning

Holistic dentistry using essential oils can be a part of your regular oral hygiene, along with brushing and flossing twice daily. Adding small amounts of essential oils to toothpaste or mouthwash can help fight bacteria without experiencing any adverse side effects.

Consider making your own homemade toothpaste and mouthwash from natural ingredients, using these recipes:

Toothpaste

• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon xylitol powder (optional for sweetness)
• 20 drops of any essential oil

Mix all the ingredients in a small jar. When using it, take a small coin-sized amount.

Mouthwash

• ½ cup aloe vera juice
• ½ cup distilled water
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 6 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)

Take a clean, empty jar and mix these ingredients thoroughly. Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds with the mixture.

Contact Us Today to Schedule your Dental Checkup for Better Oral Health

Our professional dental team at Hamby Family Dentistry will take extra care in making your experience comfortable.  Contact us today for a dental checkup. Call us at  919-552-2431 or complete the form below to schedule your next dental appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.