13 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Dental Plaque
Herbal essential oils for dental plaque are natural remedies extracted from plants that help to prevent and treat the buildup of plaque on teeth.
The benefits of using these oils include reducing inflammation, eliminating bacteria, and freshening breath.
Examples of effective herbal essential oils for dental plaque include tea tree oil, which has antibacterial properties that kill Streptococcus mutans, a common cause of plaque; peppermint oil, which has a cooling effect that helps to reduce inflammation and freshen breath; and eucalyptus oil, which has decongestant properties that help to reduce swelling and ease gum pain.
Additionally, other herbs such as clove oil, oregano oil, and lemon oil can also be used to treat dental plaque due to their antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which help to kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup.
According to "Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)", essential oils for dental plaque have been shown to inhibit the growth of oral pathogens and reduce the formation of dental plaque, thereby contributing to oral health.
Below there's a list of the 13 best herbal essential oils for dental plaque.
- 1. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
- 2. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils
- 3. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils
- 4. Mentha x piperita essential oils
- 5. Salvia officinalis essential oils
- 6. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
- 7. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
- 8. Zingiber officinale essential oils
- 9. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 10. Curcuma longa essential oils
- 11. Syzygium aromaticum essential oils
- 12. Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils
- 13. Origanum vulgare essential oils
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1. Eucalyptus globulus essential oils
Eucalyptus globulus essential oils have been used to treat dental plaque due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties help to reduce the growth of bacteria that cause plaque, thereby preventing its accumulation on teeth.
The bioactive constituents of eucalyptus globulus essential oils, including eucalyptol and limonene, have been shown to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a key contributor to dental plaque.
The use of eucalyptus globulus essential oils as a mouthwash or toothpaste has been found to reduce plaque buildup, prevent gingivitis, and promote overall oral health.
Related Study
According to "Journal of oral science", Eucalyptus globulus essential oils, specifically in the form of eucalyptus extract-containing chewing gum, were found to significantly reduce dental plaque formation by 1.97 +/- 1.1 compared to a control gum.
2. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils
Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils, also known as tea tree oil, have been studied for their potential to treat dental plaque, a bacterial buildup on teeth that can cause inflammation and infection.
The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of this herbal preparation help to combat the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to dental plaque.
The bioactive constituents, including cineole and terpinen-4-ol, have been shown to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity, making tea tree oil an effective natural remedy for treating dental plaque.
The benefits of using Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils to treat dental plaque include reduced inflammation, prevention of infection, and promotion of a healthy oral environment.
Related Study
According to "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils for dental plaque demonstrated low reduction in plaque index (PI) but important effects on gingival index (GI) scores.
3. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils
Cymbopogon citratus essential oils, commonly known as lemongrass oil, have been studied for their potential in treating dental plaque, a bacterial buildup on teeth that can lead to oral infections and gum disease.
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of lemongrass oil help to reduce inflammation and combat the growth of bacteria that cause dental plaque.
The bioactive constituents of lemongrass oil, including citral, geraniol, and limonene, have been identified as key players in its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to dental plaque.
Regular use of lemongrass oil has been found to reduce the incidence of dental plaque, promote oral health, and prevent conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Related Study
According to "Microbial pathogenesis", Cymbopogon citratus essential oils for dental plaque exhibited the highest efficacy in reducing Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and adhesion activity, achieving 90% inhibition at an MIC value of 12 μg/mL.
4. Mentha x piperita essential oils
Mentha x piperita essential oils, also known as peppermint oil, have been traditionally used to treat dental plaque due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The oil's ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gums helps to alleviate symptoms of dental plaque, making it an effective natural remedy for oral health.
The bioactive constituents of peppermint oil, including menthone, limonene, and menthol, contribute to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to combat the bacterial overgrowth that leads to dental plaque.
By using Mentha x piperita essential oils, individuals can benefit from improved oral health, reduced risk of gum disease, and fresher breath.
Related Study
According to "Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)", Mentha x piperita essential oils have been shown to inhibit the growth of oral pathogens and reduce the formation of dental plaque.
5. Salvia officinalis essential oils
Salvia officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat dental plaque ailments due to their antimicrobial properties, which help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause plaque buildup.
The herb's bioactive constituents, including camphor, borneol, and thujone, contribute to its therapeutic effects by reducing inflammation and killing harmful microorganisms in the mouth.
By using Salvia officinalis essential oils, individuals can effectively reduce the risk of dental plaque-related issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay, and maintain good oral health.
The benefits of using Salvia officinalis essential oils for dental plaque treatment include its natural and non-toxic nature, making it a safer alternative to conventional dental products.
Related Study
According to "Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)", Salvia officinalis essential oils have been shown to inhibit the growth of oral pathogens and reduce the formation of dental plaque.
6. Thymus vulgaris essential oils
Thymus vulgaris essential oils, derived from the leaves of the thyme plant, have been traditionally used to treat dental plaque, a common oral health issue characterized by the accumulation of bacteria and food particles on the teeth.
The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties of this herbal preparation help to treat dental plaque by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gums.
The bioactive constituents of Thymus vulgaris essential oils, including thymol and carvacrol, play a crucial role in treating dental plaque, as they exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli.
The regular use of Thymus vulgaris essential oils can help to prevent the formation of dental plaque, reduce the risk of gum disease, and promote overall oral health.
Related Study
According to "Journal of dentistry (Shiraz, Iran)", Thymus vulgaris essential oils have shown favorable antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, a type of microorganism that can cause dental plaque, and can be considered as an alternative to chlorhexidine for eliminating fungal contamination of orthodontic appliances.
7. Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils
Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils, also known as rosemary oil, have been found to exhibit antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, which help to combat dental plaque by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that contribute to this ailment.
The herb's bioactive constituents, including carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and camphor, possess potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing plaque formation and promoting gum health.
By using rosemary oil as a mouthwash or adding it to a toothpaste, individuals can potentially reduce the accumulation of dental plaque and prevent associated oral health issues, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
The regular use of rosemary oil may also help to freshen breath, reduce bad mouth odor, and promote a healthier oral environment.
Related Study
According to "PloS one", Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils for dental plaque have shown moderate to high antibiofilm activity comparable to that of chlorhexidine against S. mutans, with a MIC range of 0.08-5.00 mg ml-1.
8. Zingiber officinale essential oils
Zingiber officinale essential oils have been traditionally used to treat dental plaque due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The bioactive constituents of ginger oil, such as gingerols and shogaols, possess potent antibacterial and antifungal activities that help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to plaque formation.
This herbal preparation helps to treat dental plaque by reducing the microbial load, inflammation, and oxidative stress associated with the condition, thereby promoting a healthy oral environment.
The benefits of using Zingiber officinale essential oils to treat dental plaque include reduced risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, as well as improved overall oral health and well-being.
9. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
Lavandula angustifolia essential oils have been studied for their potential to help treat dental plaque, a condition characterized by the accumulation of bacteria and food particles on teeth.
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of this herbal preparation help to treat this ailment by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gums.
The bioactive constituents of Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, including linalool and linalyl acetate, are responsible for these effects, which contribute to its ability to help prevent the formation of dental plaque.
The benefits of using Lavandula angustifolia essential oils to treat dental plaque include reduced risk of gum disease, fresher breath, and a lower incidence of oral infections.
10. Curcuma longa essential oils
Curcuma longa essential oils have been found to exhibit potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a promising natural remedy for treating dental plaque.
The bioactive constituents of Curcuma longa, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that contribute to dental plaque formation.
These compounds help to reduce the formation of biofilms and inhibit the production of virulence factors, ultimately leading to a decrease in dental plaque and associated gum inflammation.
By incorporating Curcuma longa essential oils into oral care routines, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of developing dental plaque and associated oral health issues, promoting a healthier and more balanced oral microbiome.
Related Study
According to "Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry", Curcuma longa essential oils for dental plaque have been found to inhibit primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens, thereby preventing plaque and calculus formation by maintaining acid-alkali balance in saliva.
11. Syzygium aromaticum essential oils
Syzygium aromaticum essential oils, extracted from the clove plant, have been traditionally used to treat dental plaque, a bacterial buildup on teeth that can lead to gum inflammation and other oral health issues.
The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of Syzygium aromaticum essential oils help to inhibit the growth of bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent the formation of dental plaque.
The bioactive constituents, including eugenol, caryophyllene, and beta-caryophyllene, contribute to its therapeutic effects by exhibiting antimicrobial activity and reducing oxidative stress.
By using Syzygium aromaticum essential oils, individuals can effectively treat dental plaque and prevent related oral health problems, while also enjoying its additional benefits of freshening breath and reducing gum inflammation.
Related Study
According to "Natural products and bioprospecting", Syzygium aromaticum essential oils were not specifically mentioned for treating dental plaque in the given study, but it was identified as the species most commonly prescribed by local herbalists, with a use value (UV) of 0.94, suggesting its potential application in oral health issues, including gum disease.
12. Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils
Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils have been traditionally used to treat dental plaque ailments due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
The bioactive constituents of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, including cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause plaque formation, thereby reducing inflammation and preventing the development of periodontal diseases.
By reducing the bacterial load and inflammation, Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils help to prevent the progression of dental plaque to more severe conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis, ultimately promoting oral health and reducing the risk of tooth loss.
The benefits of using Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils to treat dental plaque include reduced gum inflammation, prevention of tooth decay, and improved overall oral health.
Related Study
According to "The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice", Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils show potential in eradicating dental plaque and biofilm Enterococcus faecalis, particularly in biofilm eradication after 7 and 14 days of treatment.
13. Origanum vulgare essential oils
Origanum vulgare essential oils have been studied for their potential in treating dental plaque, a bacterial accumulation on teeth that can lead to various oral health issues.
The properties of this herbal preparation, including its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, help to combat the bacterial growth and inflammation associated with dental plaque.
The bioactive constituents of Origanum vulgare essential oils, such as carvacrol and thymol, have been found to exhibit potent antibacterial activity against the bacteria responsible for dental plaque.
By incorporating Origanum vulgare essential oils into oral care practices, individuals may experience benefits such as reduced plaque accumulation, fresher breath, and improved overall oral health.
Related Study
According to "Frontiers in microbiology", Origanum vulgare essential oils have been shown to exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties, including preventing biofilm formation and reducing adherence of dental plaque isolates to hydroxyapatite surfaces.