Optimal oral health is important for our overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a host of health problems that stem from tooth gum problems. Fortunately, there are several essential oils for teeth and gums that can be used on a regular basis to achieve a healthy and attractive smile. In this article, I will share with you the specific essential oils that can improve the health of your teeth and gums and how to use them.
Essential Oils for Teeth and Gums:
Oral Health
Natural Treatment for Oral Health
According to Dr. Josh Axe, gum problems can be caused by a variety of factors including:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Smoking
- Immune-related illnesses (cancer, HIV, diabetes)
- Emotional stress
- Poor nutrition
- Excess consumption of sugar leading to candidiasis (visit www.draxe.com)
Before beginning an essential oil regimen, it is important to eliminate any behaviors that may lead to teeth gum problems. While essential oils are a wonderful tool for optimal oral health, they can not overcome negative lifestyle choices.
Essential Oils for Teeth and Gums
There are many essential oils that may improve overall oral health, including:
- Clove Essential Oil
- Helichrysum Essential Oil
- Melaleuca (also known as Tea Tree) Essential Oil
- Frankincense Essential Oil
- Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
- Wintergreen Essential Oil
- Myrrh Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Cinnamon Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
How to Use Essential Oils for Teeth and Gums
As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” However, I believe than an ounce of prevention is worth a TON of cure. Caring for and nourishing your teeth and gums has the potential to save you a lot of money and pain. While I am a firm believer in prevention, please do not neglect to work with your dentist in developing a natural oral health plan. Below you will find a few strategies for preventing oral health issues and/or alleviating oral problems until you can get to a dentist for professional help.
Promote Teeth and Gum Health
Prevent cavities by eating a real food diet and limiting grains and sugar. Oil pulling is a wonderful and effective way to fight cavities and may help to improve gum tissue. For detailed instructions regarding oil pulling, click here. For increased effectiveness, add 1 drop of clove or peppermint essential oil to your oil pulling routine. I recommend oil pulling with organic extra virgin coconut oil. Oil pulling may also prevent gum disease.
Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Oil pulling may aslo help to improve bad breath. Simply add 1 drop of peppermint essential oil to approx. 1 teaspoon of melted coconut oil and swish for 10 minutes (or as long as possible). Discard oil in trash can.
Teeth Grinding
According to Modern Essentials (2015), teeth grinding (also called Bruxism) is the habit of clenching the teeth and rubbing them against one another. Teeth grinding often occurs unconsciously while a person is asleep.Therefore, essential oils that promote relaxation can benefit those who struggle with teeth grinding. Before going to bed, rub 1 drop of lavender essential oil onto the bottoms of each foot or diffuse 1-2 drops for a restful night.
Mouth Sores
Once again, oil pulling saves the day with its power to improve oral health issues. Combine approx. 1 teaspoon of melted coconut oil with 1 drop of myrrh or orange essential oil and swish for at least 10 minutes. Continue this regimen twice a day until the ulcer has improved (Modern Essentials, 2015).
Toothache
In order to help alleviate the discomfort associated with a toothache until you can visit your dentist, dilute 1 -2 drops of clove or melaleuca essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and place on location or along jawbone (Modern Essentials, 2015).
Clearly, there are many essential oils for teeth and gums that can help to improve your oral health. Again, please do not substitute these remedies for the care of a dentist, but use them as a way to prevent oral problems before they happen.
A Word About the Safety of Essential Oils
Finally, when using essential oils, it is very important to understand that all oils are not created equal. Please be sure that you purchase quality essential oils that are certified pure from a reputable source. Many oils found in stores and online are filled with cheap filler oils and some are even toxic. Please do your homework before using any essential oil brand. Please note that all essential oils are not intended to be used internally.
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Reference:
Modern Essentials: A Contemporary Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils (6th ed.). (2015). Orem, UT: Aroma Tools.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product/website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.
