With more and more people getting on the “clean living” train nowadays, natural ingredients are fast replacing chemical-based products, even for dental health. Natural products such as essential oils have gotten popular, and there is growing discord regarding the facts and fictions of essential oils and their contributions to dental health.
Essential oils are sourced from plants and could be distilled or extracted from the seeds, bark, leaves, flowers or roots. Their chemical makeup is comparable to human cells and tissues, which makes the identification and absorption process in the body seamless. Because of their small molecular structure, the body can process them quickly and allow them to seep easily into the membranes and diffuse through the body and tissues. Many essential oils have multiple therapeutic effects, as opposed to synthetic chemicals that typically have a single function and a few side effects.
Essential oils have three application methods:
Clove oil is perhaps the most common oil in dentistry. Dentists often recommend it for treating dry sockets, toothache caused by pulpitis and hypersensitivity. There have been studies on cinnamon bark, peppermint, sweet fennel and other essential oil plants to discover their antibacterial and antiplaque effects on the oral cavity. Sweet basil and cinnamon bark were discovered to have inhibitory effects on bacteria. The conclusion was that using essential oils can help prevent cavities.
For treating gum-related diseases, dental visits combined with regular use of essential oils has been shown to remarkably reduce bacterial count in the deep gum pockets of the subjects. This shows that essential oils can be an important element in the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Also, essential oils can be beneficial in relieving dental anxiety and improving mood through their stimulating effect on parasympathetic action in the autonomous nervous system. Dental anxiety is a fight or flight reaction prompted by visits to the dental office. Some essential oils trigger and stimulate the parts of the brain that control blood pressure, heart rate, memory, breathing, stress and hormones.
One popular essential oil known for its soothing properties is lavender. In a particular study, lavender reduced anxiety levels in male and female patients who were exposed to lavender oil a few minutes before their dental appointment. Orange essential oil held promise for children between ages six and nine. The conclusion was that using diffusers in the waiting area or reception of a dental practice may help patients with dental anxiety.
Essential oils have few or no adverse side effects and are effective for different oral health conditions. However, the safest practice is to consult your dentist before using essential oils for any condition you have.
Request an appointment here: https://www.yourdowntownmckinneydentist.com or call Sam Patel DDS, PA at (972) 638-5848 for an appointment in our McKinney office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
The oral hygiene basics that you need to practice to keep your teeth looking clean and your breath fresh will also protect your teeth from cavities. Good cleaning habits and consistency about your oral care regimen can spare teeth from the damage and decay that causes cavities to form. Here are a few key practices…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that dentists recommend brushing twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why this is so. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different?Brushing your teeth is a…
When your general dentist says you need an oral sedative, you might have questions. There are many reasons why you might want or need an oral sedative. You may experience a lot of anxiety, or you may need a procedure that can cause discomfort. General dentists use several different kinds of oral sedatives to help…
Although many people believe that plaque and tartar are the same, they actually have significant differences. Understanding the distinctions between these two dental conditions can help you identify their warning signs and practice oral hygiene basics to avoid them.Plaque is a soft film containing millions of bacteria that build up on your teeth, gums, and…