Use These Five Essential Oils to Protect Oral Health
When you think about uses for essential oils, the first thing that comes to mind is the potency of the aromas. Essential oils contain an intense scent that can be used in a variety of household situations, from freshening a room to improving a cleaning product.
What you might not know, however, is the potential uses for essential oils in the field of medicine, particularly in dentistry. Plants have been used in a variety of ways by dentists throughout history, and the rise of modern pharmacology doesn’t make the importance of essential oils any less. In fact, the Cosmetic and Dental Implant Center (CDIC) recommends the following five essential oils as ideal essential oils for any dental patient to use.
Peppermint Oil Uses
The first thing that comes to mind when you encounter peppermint oil is its unique, fresh scent. If you notice that the aroma is a bit toothpaste-y, you’re quite right. Peppermint oil is commonly used in most toothpastes because of its unique antiseptic qualities. The essential oil can act as a pain reliever, fight off germs and even reduce a person’s bad breath
Spearmint Oil Uses
Like peppermint oil, spearmint oil is valuable because of its antibacterial nature. Spearmint oil, while being a very good-tasting essential oil, can prevent infections and sooth irritated areas in the mouth. As such, swishing with spearmint oil is a great way to prevent oral health issues from developing while cleaning the mouth.
Clove Oil Uses
The scent of clove oil is quite unique, and, if it reminds you of dental offices, you’re not far from the truth. Clove oil is often used in dental offices and tooth-related products because of its relaxing antibiotic properties. The essential oil is especially potent as a pain reliever. The CDIC often recommends rubbing clove oil over tooth extraction sites to prevent dry socket and reduce pain.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that like many pain-relieving essential oils, clove oil can be toxic when ingested in large quantities. At the first sign of irritation or unexpected symptoms, you should immediately visit a dentist to get the area checked out to make sure no further problems develop.
Tea Tree Oil Uses
At first, tea tree oil, an antiseptic essential oil, sounds much like a different version of peppermint or clove oil, but functionally tea tree oil is useful in different situations. The essential oil is particularly effective against plaque-causing and bad breath-inducing bacteria that can be harmful for your teeth and gums. Again, you should be wary of ingesting too much of it, though, because tea tree oil can be toxic in large quantities.
Cinnamon Oil Uses
You likely know cinnamon oil for its delicious scent, but the essential oil also can be quite useful for dental-related needs. Cinnamon oil is an antibacterial essential oil, and the bacteria it targets is the same bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease to form. Thus, as a rinse or mouthwash, cinnamon oil is extremely effective.
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