Essential oils in dentistry is a movement definitely worth exploring, as more and more people are turning up their noses (and smiles) at products with artificial junk and opting for more natural dental care solutions for their families.
Keep reading about this latest trend: the power of essential oils for your smile, and see if it’s time for you to make the switch.
5 Who-Knew Benefits of Essential Oils for Gums & Teeth
#1. Peppermint Oil Reduces Plaque & Helps Prevent Cavities
Plaque, that clear sticky film that sticks to the teeth and drives us (and our dentists) crazy, is packed with bacteria. Bacteria likes to grow and multiply in low-oxygen environments, like the spaces between the teeth and below the gum line.
Bacteria does more than just give us bad breath and poor gum health … it also creates an acidic environment in the mouth. Acids dissolve the minerals in our teeth, making our smiles more susceptible to cavities. (Read how to never get another cavity.)
Lucky for fans of essential oils, the ever-popular peppermint oil is shown to inhibit plaque formation, helping to reduce the risk of cavities.
#2. Fights Fungal Infections
Fungal infections in the mouth (known as oral thrush) affect more than 200,000 people in the U.S. each year, most often the young and the elderly.
A tell-tale sign of oral thrush is white spots on the tongue or inner cheeks. Other symptoms include a burning sensation when swallowing, “cotton mouth,” and cracking/redness at the corners of the mouth.
These infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. Essential oils help fight fungal activity and keep the microorganisms in the mouth in balance.
#3. Boasts Antibacterial Properties
According to lab data at the Oral Microbiology Laboratory, of 11,312 oral specimen samples, 18 percent contained Staphylococcus aureus, the most serious type of staph bacteria.
Peppermint, spearmint, grapefruit and other essential oils are shown to help inhibit the production of staphylococcus. This is exciting news, as some staph infections are resistant (or trending toward becoming resistant) to antibiotics.
Bonus: essential oils do not appear to have resistant properties or lose their effectiveness over time!
#4. Promotes Healthy Gums
Essential oils like lemon, orange, peppermint, and spearmint are proven to be antimicrobial, which means they stop the “bad” bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. At the same time, they help to soothe inflammation.
Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial ingredient used in many mouthwashes. However, it does come with some undesirable side effects:
- Brown teeth stains
- Dry mouth
- Decreased taste
- Tongue swelling with long-term use
With essential oils, you get antimicrobial benefits without the unwanted side effects.
Did you know? In double-blind clinical studies, Oxyfresh Fresh Breath Lemon Mint Mouthwash – with Oxygene®, zinc, aloe vera and a refreshing blend of natural essential oils – was shown to be just as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing bioaerosols, and proven more effective at improving the gum health of periodontitis (advanced gum disease) patients vs. a leading store brand mouthwash. See the study.
#5. Essential Oils Give You a Clean, Refreshing Taste
To stand out on store shelves and create brand recognition and a distinct taste, most mouthwashes and toothpastes are loaded with bright artificial colors – potentially linked to hyperactivity in children, allergies and even cancer – along with artificial mint flavors. The result? Teeth stains, an unpleasant sting and burn, and a funky aftertaste. Conversely, with essential oils, you get a refreshing, clean feeling without teeth staining or an artificial aftertaste.
Protect Your Smile from Dyes, Alcohol & Artificial Junk
Take care of your beautiful smile like never before! Make the switch to Oxyfresh dental products – always 100% free of alcohol, dyes, aspartame and harsh artificial mint flavors. Carefully formulated with natural essential oils and Oxygene®, you’ll love the breath-freshening and smile-boosting power of Oxyfresh.
Learn more about these incredible dental products and discover the formula that’s just right for your pearly whites. Check out the Oxyfresh Dental line today.
