Emerging Trends: Essential Oils for Dental Care

A recent surge in the popularity of using essential oils as homeopathic agents for dental care has dentists and oral surgeons both intrigued and concerned. Many people are looking to eliminating synthetic and man-made chemicals from their dietary and medical practices as a way of using nature’s remedies to achieve better health. As patients explore homeopathic remedies of dental care, more research is needed to determine whether those practices help or harm oral health. Dr. Jack Bodie believes patients should use caution when trying out such remedies and strongly suggests sticking to traditional toothpastes and mouthwashes marked with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval.

However, while research is needed, here are some popular essential oils homeopathic proponents are talking about:

Cinnamon – Cinnamon essential oils have been noted for their antiseptic qualities. Researchers from New Zealand have released a study indicating that cinnamon essential oils can be effective in reducing the presence of microbes including streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria responsible for tooth decay.

Peppermint – Peppermint essential oils have been credited with killing anaerobic bacteria that are known to thrive when oxygen is not present.

Spearmint – Spearmint essential oils are strong antiseptics and capable of soothing irritated gum tissue.

Clove – Clove oil has been recognized for centuries in Chinese medicine for its numbing power, that can be used to ease tooth aches, disinfect infected root canals, and killing germs.

These properties shouldn’t be too surprising, given that they are common ingredients in many toothpastes and chewing gums, but Dr. Bodie warns that while the use of essential oils can be beneficial, there is no evidence to support that they are capable of replacing traditional dental care.

If you ever have any questions don’t hesitate to contact our office at 972-512-0926.