Known for their unique healing and therapeutic benefits, essential oils have been used for centuries dating all the way back to 2000 BC.
In recent years, the rise of essential oils has taken health care to an entirely new perspective, for uses like aromatherapy, ingestion, and personal care. The following oils are the top essential oils for healthy, beautiful, gums and teeth. They can be used to help soothe a painful area or as a base in mouth rinses to keep your mouth fresh and healthy!
Just make sure to choose very pure oils that have been carefully selected by a trustful company that has transparent independent testing beyond organic.
#1: Clove oil has been used in dentistry since the 19th century and is especially essential for oral health. A chemical found in cloves called eugenol acts as an anesthetic and antibacterial agent. Clove oil also has the natural ability to restrict the development of bacteria and can help fight mouth and throat infections. Clove oil can be effective in reducing tooth pain, bad breath, and even prevention measures against gum disease.
Clinical tip: mix a few drops in one tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil and apply to the area of discomfort: allow the oil to stay for 5-10 min. Repeat as needed every 2-3 hours.
#2: Thyme belongs to the mint family and therefore is often used in mouthwashes and elixirs to give flavor and freshness for oral health treatments. Thyme oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. A component of thyme, known as thymol, has been found to inhibit the growth of oral pathogens in the mouth. It can help reduce inflammation and infection.
Warning: Thyme oil shouldn’t be swallowed in this method or used undiluted on your skin.
Tip: for a mouth, rinse add a drop to coconut oil pulling. Do not use pure in the mouth.
#3: Myrrh oil’s resin is extracted from the myrrh tree, which is then transformed into an herbaceous, woody essential oil. Myrrh oil is well-known for its ability to cleanse the mouth and throat. To take advantage of the cleansing properties of Myrrh oil, add one or two drops to your toothpaste. It can also be used as an effective mouth rinse by combining one drop of Myrrh oil and two ounces of water. Gargle the rinse for 30 seconds for a nice clean feeling
Clinical tip: You can use a drop of the oil on a fingertip and rub along the gum line or mix with another carrier oil to perform oil pulling. It’s very powerful!
#4: Tea Tree is a natural remedy for bad breath and contains ingredients that diminish plaque. This oil is a perfect ingredient for a DIY toothpaste or mouthwash because of its ability to kill off bacteria, diminish tooth decay and relieve bleeding gums.
Warning: most tea tree should NOT be used for internal use other than for a mouthwash or toothpaste – you must spit it out after use and rinse with water.
#5: Peppermint is known for its cooling and numbing elements which can effectively soothe tooth and muscle aches. Research has found that peppermint oil is exceptionally powerful for fighting oral pathogens and killing common bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. Peppermint oil is one of the oils used for oil pulling. It is an effective way to reduce plaque and help clean the teeth and gums while also helping oral health in other ways. Rinsing with diluted peppermint oil can solve bad breath or bad tastes in the mouth.
Clinical tip: dilute one drop in a cup of water and rinse for a min or two. Or add a drop on toothpaste and wash your teeth. Or add a drop to your coconut oil pulling!
#6: Cinnamon bark oil is antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic – which makes it an effective cleanser for every oral health care need, such as relief. Cinnamon is known to have antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects on toothache and can aid in fighting bad breath. It kills a common bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, found in those people who have gingivitis. Researchers found that cinnamon essential oil contains cinnamaldehyde, which is the active component that kills this bacteria. Both cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon essential oil works by destroying Porphyromonas gingivalis’ membrane. This in turn, reduces plaque formation and can treat gingivitis, by acting as a natural antimicrobial agent. It is also known to have cleansing properties that can be useful for cleansing the gums, mouth to help to maintain clean, healthy looking teeth. It is perfect for adding to DIY mouthwashes. Be aware, however, that Cinnamon Bark is also a “hot” oil and should not be used undiluted on the skin.
Tip: When you are traveling or on-the-go, you can combine a drop of Cinnamon Bark oil with two ounces of water, shake or stir well, and gargle to help cleanse the teeth, mouth, and gums.
Warning: Cinnamon extract solution has an acidic pH that can affect enamel surface roughness. Do not place in the mouth for more than 1 hour.
For safety purposes always follow the directions for use listed by the essential oil manufacturer on the labels.
To learn more about essential oils and how to use them safely, I recommend contacting Dr. Priya Advani. Dr. Advani earned her Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Emperor’s College in 2008, where she graduated with honors. During this time, she worked as a patient educator for Dr. Prudence Hall and learned about the power of integrative medicine. She was inspired to bring Eastern and Western medicine together to create optimal care and wellness. She later earned her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Emperor’s College with a focus on Internal Medicine and Orthopedics. Her practice focuses on internal medicine with specialties in pediatrics, women’s health, and pain management. She incorporates lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, supplements, and doTERRA essential oils into her practice. You can contact her at www.advanicenter.com
