A visit to the dentist is perhaps everyone’s worst nightmare. The uncomfortable reclining chairs, the shiny steel equipment, and the robed dentist prodding the inside of your mouth can be a very disturbing experience.
Of course, if you’ve got a serious oral issue like gingivitis or periodontitis, don’t hesitate to visit the dentist! But if you’ve got a mild toothache or pain, fixing an appointment with the doctor isn’t necessary. Instead, use peppermint essential oil to treat your toothache.
Why Peppermint Essential Oil?
If you read the ‘Ingredients’ section on most toothpaste packs, you’ll notice that nearly all of them have peppermint flavouring in them. This ingredient has been used for centuries by civilisations across the world to clean up and freshen the mouth. The gentle, minty, flavour of peppermint is welcome in the mouth and highly effective in staving off bad breath.
But most toothpastes and gums only contain peppermint flavour, and not the actual essential oil.
Peppermint essential oil contains an active ingredient called menthol which possesses powerful antibacterial properties. This is why peppermint is such a useful ingredient in the oral care industry. It helps to fight hundreds of strains of bacteria, including the anaerobic bacteria that survive and thrive in your mouth.
Peppermint essential oil also possesses mild, anaesthetic properties, which help to relieve toothaches and gum pains.
How To Use?
Peppermint oil can be used to treat an aching tooth and sore gums. However, the recipe for both treatments differ a little.
Toothache
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil (sweet almond, sunflower, or coconut)
- 6 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
- 4 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil
- 2 drops of Myrrh essential oil
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
Place the ingredients in a container and shake it vigorously to blend them together. Apply only a single drop of this mixture to the aching tooth and the surrounding gum area. You can store this solution in an airtight container and use it every night after brushing your teeth.
Sore Gums
To create this therapeutic gum oil, you will need:
- 6 drops of Myrrh essential oil
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 1 drop of peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops squeezed from a lemon
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
Mix the ingredients together and store the liquid in an airtight container.
After you brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, apply a few drops of this mix to the portion of your gums, on the area that feels sore. This remedy should provide some relief from the pain and start to heal your gums.
If, after a few days, your gums do not feel any better, you may want to visit a dentist as the condition could require professional help.
Use In Moderation
When using peppermint essential oil to treat a toothache, be sure to use it in moderation. This ingredient is quite potent and may not be safe in large quantities. Avoid using this treatment on children as they are likely to ingest the oil, which could lead to further complications.
The best way to treat most oral problems is to nip them in the bud, before they progress and start to cause irreparable damage to your mouth. By using peppermint essential oil for toothache, you can clear your mouth of anaerobic, harmful bacteria and ensure better oral health.
No matter what essential oil you use, remember to brush, rinse, and floss regularly so you can keep your mouth as clean and fresh as possible. Regular check ups at the dentist are also recommended, to ensure that your oral health is on the right track.
It takes a little discipline and diligence when it comes to oral care, but with the right practices, you can rest assured that your mouth will be free from harm.
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