How to Treat Gum Disease with Essential Oils
Are your gums swollen, inflamed or bleed when you brush your teeth? Are your gums sensitive or do you have frequent infections? These are signs of gum disease. These symptoms are caused by bacteria that get down in the pockets between your gums and teeth. A diet of processed foods, sodas and smoking play a big part in starting gum disease.
Be sure to find a dentist that will work with you on nutrition and supplements in addition to suggested treatments to help you reverse this painful disease. There is research now that suggests that gum disease also affects the heart and other organs in the body so you will want to catch any symptoms early and take care of that. Gum disease can lead to the loss of several or all of the teeth and it can also cause bone loss.
Herbal essential oils can be used to help fight gum disease. They are antibacterial killing the bacteria around your gums while you work on the deeper level nutritionally. Here are several essential oils that you can use singly or to make your own blend: clove, eucalyptus, tea tree, manuka, peppermint, oregano, spearmint, rosemary, cinnamon, myrrh, orange, thyme and fennel.
Some common blends are:
- wintergreen/peppermint
- manuka/tea tree/eucalyptus
- peppermint/orange/ eucalyptus
Experiment with singles or blend a few to find what works for you. Here are some ways to use these oils:
- Make your own toothpaste. In a small container mix 2-4 drops of essential oil with 4 teaspoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt. Brush with this mixture.
- For a mouth rinse after brushing mix 1 cup warm water with 6 drops of oil.
- For a mouthwash mix 1 cup water, 5 drops oil and 2 teaspoons vodka or brandy. Shake before each use.
These oils are not a replacement for your dentist, but rather an addition to your regimen to fight the bacteria. Remember, essential oils are powerful so do not misuse them. Do not swallow and keep them out of the reach of children.
The Author:
Shanna Ohmes has studied herbs, nutrition, healthy eating, and naturalist studies through courses and self-study for 10 years. She has applied her knowledge with her family, friends, pets and livestock.
©2009 Shanna Ohmes
Photo. Silviarita
I know that essential oils do NOT feel okay in my mouth. I do NOT want to ingest them! I can see tinctures, sure; but essential oils in the mouth feels sketchy…
This article is not suggesting that you ingest the essential oils, but rather make a toothpaste or mouth wash from them. Most of the oils listed are actually edible and is used in cooking and baking all the time. The tea tree oil I would not ingest, but it is safe to use in the toothpaste and is made commercially all the time. Just avoid swallowing it.
This sounds really cool! I like hearing about just random plants being able to cure things. It makes me feel like there are super powers whenever I see someone using a plant to remedy themselves.
This is so neat! I didn’t know that essential oils could be used for gum disease. My gums have been getting super swollen every time I brush my teeth lately, so I might have to give this a try. I have peppermint oil already, but no wintergreen. Would using peppermint alone work, or do the two need to be used together in order to properly treat the problem?
I am all for Natural Essential Oil Home Remedies ever since being Celiac my Fibromyalgia has been worse, and whats worse I got TMJ from MVA everything flares up in the mouth. I always get sinus infection, canker sores is a monthly thing and I’d rather use manuka/tea tree/eucal than go see 4 other dentists. keeps telling me its part of “Celiac Disease” need to deal with it. My new dentist prescribe mouthrinse has alcohol & gluten dries my mouth out completely. To each of your own if this is too extreme try Coconut Oil or stick to good ol’Scope.
Thanks for sharing home remedies to cure gum disease. This essential oil seems very effective for gum sensitive people.
Absolutely right! Gum disease is major problems because it is the main reason of loss of teeth and bones. From this blog, I think people can get help to cure their gum disease.
Nowadays, many people are suffering from gum diseases. You have clearly explained how to treat gum disease with the uses of essential oil. Very few persons know about it. Thanks for sharing the useful article!
Yeah! By considering natural ingredients may treat gum disease effectively. This piece of information really helps for viewers in maintaining healthy smile. Thanks for sharing.
Disappointing article. I think these comments are “made up” because the article only gives suggestions i.e. experiment to see what works for you.
I have gum disease, and would like to know if the oils you mention here will cure the disease or not. Thank you for your reply. God bless you.