People are increasingly adopting a clean lifestyle and avoiding chemical-based products in favor of those made from natural ingredients. Some antibacterial drugs used to treat oral health problems can cause side effects like diarrhea and vomiting. The resistance against these drugs is also increasing; many see essential oils as an alternative.
Essential oils have been around far longer than our modern medicines. Egyptians used them to treat different ailments, while a Chinese emperor in 200BC used clove oil to improve his breath.
Some oils can be harmful if you apply them to your skin. Essential oils are also not a substitute for a dentist who can examine your teeth. As with any treatment, it’s best to research whether using essential oils after dental work is safe.
Let’s take a closer look at essential oils for dental health.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils have been used to relieve pain, inflammation, and infection since ancient times. They are extracted from different plant parts, like fruits, flowers, leaves, stems, and roots. There are approximately 100 essential oil types, and each has a unique scent and benefits. Many have been proven effective by research in reducing toothaches.
They penetrate the skin faster than any over-the-counter medication due to their small molecular size. Essential oils are also lipid-soluble, making it easier to penetrate cell membranes and reach every cell in the body. Essential oils are also rich in oxygen molecules that help transport nutrients to cells, stimulating the immune system and reversing nutritional deficiencies.
Most of these oils need to be diluted before they are applied. However, this doesn’t affect their therapeutic properties.
Essential Oils That Are Good for Oral Health
Essential oils are a great addition to your oral health care routine, but they shouldn’t replace your regular dental care products. You must also consult with your health care provider before trying them out.
Some of the best essential oils for dental health you can try include:
Lavender Oil
Lavender’s soothing aroma has made it an increasingly popular oil for aromatherapy. Its effects on toothaches need further study, but many studies show lavender oil can decrease pain perception.
A small study with 30 volunteers showed that inhaling lavender essential oils can significantly decrease stress and pain. Meanwhile, a systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple pain-related studies showed that inhaling lavender can significantly reduce pain experience across multiple age groups with different health conditions.
Linalool is an antibacterial and antifungal compound present in lavender essential oil. It could help fight cavities and reduce plaque.
Using lavender oil in dental clinics may help with patient anxiety. A study found a significant reduction in anxiety scores when lavender oil was used in the clinic’s reception area. It has also been proven helpful in surgical procedures since it reduces the pain associated with needle insertion.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense is one of many essential oils for cavities and gum disease prevention. It is derived from the Boswellia tree’s resin, and it also goes by the name olibanum. Studies have shown that frankincense is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. Researchers believe it decreases pain and inflammation by preventing the release of leukotrienes, compounds that cause inflammation in the body.
Frankincense has also been found to have antibacterial properties in oral preparations.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is an essential oil extracted from clove flower buds. Clove oil is 90% composed of eugenol, a chemical compound with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Clove oil is one of the most widely-used oils in dental care. Its analgesic qualities effectively relieve gum and tooth pain when applied topically. It is also among the essential oils for cavities treatment recommended by dentists. Its antibacterial qualities also make it helpful in reducing cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
One study observed the effects of clove oil on tooth corrosion caused by apple juice in a laboratory. Researchers discovered that clove oil could reduce tooth decalcification, one of the leading causes of tooth decay. They also discovered that clove oil might have remineralizing properties that can strengthen tooth enamel. Remineralization helps prevents tooth sensitivity from hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of the peppermint plant. One of peppermint oil’s major components is menthol, which acts as an analgesic that helps mask painful sensations. It has been proven to be a counter-irritant, a substance that warms and cools the skin to relieve painful sensations. Are peppermint essential oils safe for oral use? Yes, as long as it’s diluted. Pure peppermint oil is too concentrated to be taken orally and can be toxic at high doses.
Peppermint oil is also helpful in reducing biofilm and is often used in toothpaste and mouthwash formulations.
How To Use Essential Oils
You can use essential oils for teeth and gums in three ways: inhalation, topical, or internal. You can apply them directly on your skin, diluted or undiluted, or put a few drops under your tongue or as an ingredient to your food or drinks. You can also inhale them by adding a few drops in a humidifier, diffuser, or vaporizer and rubbing a few drops between your palms.
Here are the steps to dilute essential oils:
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Mix five drops of clove oil and one teaspoon of carrier oil, like olive oil.
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Apply the oil mixture to the affected area with a cotton ball.
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Repeat several times daily.
You can also use teabags that contain plant parts rich in essential oils.
Are Essential Oils Safe?
Essential oils have minimal to no side effects and help improve or treat many conditions. However, you should still consult with your health care provider if you plan to use them or ask about any conditions that you shouldn’t use essential oils.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when using essential oils for teeth and gums:
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Do not use undiluted essential oils on children younger than 12.
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Keep oils out of your eyes and ears. Don’t use water to rinse essential oils if you experience irritation; they are not water-soluble. Use vegetable oil instead.
Key Takeaway
Essential oils have been around for thousands of years and are an excellent addition to your oral health care routine. Essential oils like clove, frankincense, and lavender can help reduce toothaches and improve other dental issues. They are also easy to use; you can inhale their scent, take them orally, or use them on your skin. They are also very safe. However, essential oils cannot replace a medical professional’s attention and care. Always consult your dentist or doctor before trying essential oils and set regular appointments with them.
Start your journey to dental wellness at Sunrise Dentistry.
Sometimes, natural is the best way to go. Our dentists in Durango, CO, provide holistic dentistry services to keep their patients’ teeth strong and healthy. They also practice mercury-free dentistry that keeps everyone in their office safe from the harmful effects of mercury. They are the best people to ask about essential oils for dental health or any dental questions and concerns you may have. Contact us today.
