Gingivitis or gum disease is an infection of the tissues of the mouth that support the teeth. Although Gum disease, tooth decay and the demineralization of teeth differ, they can be addressed with natural treatments.
Most common gum and mouth problems are caused by periodontal diseases. These can include bacterial infections that lead to inflammation. Inflammation eventually destroys the gums and other supporting tissues surrounding the teeth. And it can wreak havoc on your overall health!
Most common gum and mouth problems are caused by periodontal diseases. These can include bacterial infections that lead to inflammation. Inflammation eventually destroys the gums and other supporting tissues surrounding the teeth. And it can wreak havoc on your overall health!
The bacteria (biofilm) is a sticky film called plaque that forms around the teeth and gums. If it is not removed it will harden and becomes what we know as calculus (tarter). Plaque, calculus and the bacteria involved irritate and inflame the gums.
The progression of periodontal disease happens in stages. The first stage is Gingivitis. The gums are red, swollen and bleed easily. Early stages of gingivitis will have light bleeding. During the next stage, Periodontal pockets form. This is caused by plaque forming below the gum line. If left untreated in becomes chronic, this stage is called Periodontitis. This chronic presence of plaque, calculus, and inflammation destroys the gum and bone structure that supports the teeth and may result in them becoming loose and needing removal.
There are many causes of Gum Disease some of which may include: poor dental hygiene, infrequent dental hygiene visits, smoking, immune-related illnesses (eg. cancer, HIV, diabetes), emotional stress, poor nutrition and/or excess consumption of sugar leading to candidiasis.
Essential oils are another great tool to have in your oral hygiene care toolkit! Essential oil rinses achieve just as much plaque inhibitions and act against subgingival periopathogens (a cause of gingivitis) when compared with a fluoride rinses.
Essential oils can relieve anxiety. Lavender essential oil has been shown, in a variety of circumstances, to lessen mild anxiety and calm heightened emotional states. Utilizing it in dental waiting areas has been shown to calm nervous patients. Wild orange essential oil, can be useful for anxious children. Inhaling this oil reduces cortisol levels in saliva and slows anxious pulse rates.
Essential oils also aid in the health of dental implants. When the essential oils Melissa and Lavender are applied to dental implants, they have been shown to limit the amount of biofilm produced.
Here are a couple of recipes and instructions to add your favourite essential oils into your oral care routine. For dentures and nightguards make a solution of distilled water and essential oils (1 cup of water per 10 drops of oil) and allow the appliance to soak for a few minutes. You can use this same solution recipe as a mouthwash. Swish the essential oil solution as you would a regular mouthwash. Add a drop of essential oil to your toothpaste for added benefits depending on the oil your choose. Use this same toothpaste recipe to clean dental implants in place of a conventional cleaner. To clean in between your teeth, dilute a drop of essential oil with coconut oil and dip your interdental brush in the solution.
You can achieve a deep clean by oil pulling with essential oils blended in coconut oil. This is especially helpful when you are unable to brush your teeth due to a severe fever, indigestion, asthma, coughing, vomiting, and mouth ulcers. It also prevents bad breath and gingivitis.
Choosing essential oils for your oral health natural medicine cabinet depends on your needs and preferences. Clove and lavender oil are used to battle canker sores. Dilute 1 drop with 4 drops of a carrier oil (coconut oil) and apply twice daily. Peppermint can be used to reduce halitosis (bad breath). Add 1 drop with toothpaste. Or infuse oil with water and gargle. Don’t forget to brush your tongue! Clove and wild orange oil can soothe sensitive teeth. Apply 1 drop with 4 drops of a carrier oil (coconut oil) on affected tooth and gums. Blend your favourite oils to fight plaque, ward off infections and make the most of their antimicrobial effects!
There are literally textbooks devoted to the study of essential oil safety when it comes to drug interactions and contraindications. Always use PURE essential oils! They cost more but you gain the benefits of their therapeutic use and they are not filled with unknown additives.
Oil safety is still a wild frontier in the science community and no one really knows for certain how essential oils will interact with drugs or your body.
Let common sense be your guide. Still, be sure to maintain proper dilutions and general safety considerations still apply. As always, discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur and consult your doctor immediately. Always consult your doctor prior to use of any essential oils if you are uncertain.
If you have any questions about essential oils and oral health, or your looking for recommendations for a specific oral care need… please contact me at norfolkdentalhygiene@gmail.com. Keep Smiling!
Caroline Borges, RDH
