Best Essential Oils For Toothache, Gums, And Cavities

Tooth pain is a terrible experience that every one of us has to go through at some point in our lives.

If you have a cavity that keeps giving you a tooth pain, you need to see a dentist to fix it.

However, natural remedies like essential oils can easily relieve pain.

Some essential oils, like clove oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, or tea tree oil, can relieve toothache pain quickly.

Essential oils can also treat gum pain, bleeding, cavities, receding gums, tooth infections, jaw pain, and sensitive teeth.

In this article, let us look at the best essential oils for toothache and oral health.

5 Essential Oils For Toothache Pain

Tooth pain can occur for various reasons.

The most common reason for a toothache is a bacterial infection in the tooth cavity. Bacterial infection in the teeth results in inflammation, pain, and bad odor.

EOs with antibacterial properties can easily deal with the bacteria that cause tooth pain.

Certain essential oils are potent and can cause irritation when applied directly to your skin or ingested. Thus, dilute pure essential oils in a carrier oil before applying the oils directly to your skin.

Finding the best EOs for the treatment depends on the cause and symptoms of your toothache.

You can use the EOs individually or blend two or more. Here are the five effective essential oils that can help relieve dental pain and inflammation.

Effective Essential Oils For Tooth Pain

1. Clove Oil 

Clove essential oil is our top choice for relieving tooth pain.

Before the advent of prescription medicines, dentists extensively used clove oil to treat tooth and gum pain.

According to a MedLine Plus report, clove oil and eugenol, one of the chemicals it contains, have long been used topically for treating toothache and gum disease.

Clove essential oil has been shown in studies to have both analgesic and antibacterial properties useful for treating toothache introduced by bacteria.

In a study published in 2007 by Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, and Oral Radiology, it was reported that patients who used the clove and benzocaine applications numbed the tissue equally well compared to the placebo group.

Clove oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties effectively treat a bacterial infection in a tooth or gum.

This oil quickly reduces pain and inflammation, and the swelling also disappears fast.

It’s a proven natural remedy for mouth ulcers and gingivitis.

Gargling and rinsing the mouth with this oil mixed with water helps get rid of bad breath resulting from infection in the mouth.

Much herbal toothpaste and mouthwash have clove as one of their leading ingredients.

2. Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon essential oil is a traditional remedy for treating a toothache or infection in the mouth.

It is an essential ingredient in many natural recipes for oral care.

The antibacterial elements in cinnamon oil may heal the bacterial infection in the tooth cavity and gums. It is also useful for promoting the regeneration of damaged tissues.

According to a study published by Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, cinnamon contains antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties that are beneficial for health.

Another study report published in The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice found that cinnamon oil had the highest activity against Streptococcus mutants, the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Cinnamon oil is also effective in fighting bacteria that cause gum diseases.

According to a comparative study, cinnamon oil is superior to clove oil as it exhibits a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, inhibiting all bacterial species involved in dental caries.

3. Tea Tree Oil

According to a report presented by the Clinical Microbiology Reviews, tea tree essential oil contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties beneficial for treating microbial infections and sores.

Tea tree oil for toothache is a traditional remedy that has been in use for hundreds of years.

Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties help fight Streptococcus mutants and Lactobacillus bacteria that cause tooth decay and infection.

It can also protect your gums from further assault by bacteria.

Another remarkable benefit of tea tree oil is its efficacy in cleaning teeth and improving their whiteness.

According to a study published in 2013 by the European Journal of Dentistry, peppermint, tea tree, and thyme oils can act as effective intracanal antiseptic solutions against oral pathogens.

4. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil is a commonly used ingredient in herbal toothpaste and chewing gum.

A report from the University of Maryland Medical Center says that some types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses can be killed by peppermint. This suggests that peppermint may have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

This oil also has mild anesthetic properties that can temporarily relieve tooth pain.

5. Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil is well known for its many health benefits.

According to a report published in 2002 by Phytotherapy Research, lavender oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, carminative, soothing, and anti-depressive properties.

Lavender oil is the most commonly used oil for aromatherapy to relax the mood and relieve pain.

The topical application of lavender oil reduces swelling and inflammation resulting from tooth and gum infections.

The antimicrobial properties of lavender oil kill the germs that cause infections in the teeth or gums.

Other Useful EOs for Toothache

Besides the 5 EOs we discussed above, here are a few more oils that help reduce tooth pain.

Frankincense Oil: Antiseptic elements in the oil reduce the severity of inflammation and pain arising from tooth decay.

Myrrh Oil: The astringent elements of myrrh oil are useful for healing infections on the gums and teeth. It also protects the teeth from microbial attacks.

Bay Oil: This oil’s antibiotic and analgesic properties are good for nerve pain (neuralgia). It works great for dental pain resulting from nerve pain.

Fennel Oil: This EO is good for total oral care. It prevents and heals mouth ulcers and fights germs.

Ginger Oil: The anti-inflammatory properties of this oil reduce pain and swelling.

Essential Oil Blends for Oral Health

EOs work best when two or more oils are blended.

Here are a few EO blends you can prepare at home to deal with pain and promote better oral health.

1. Teething Salve for Babies

All babies commonly experience teething pain.

Inflammation from teething can stimulate nerves that cause pain; EO blends work great for managing teething pain.

Recipe:

  • Clove Oil: 3 drops
  • Peppermint Oil: 3 drops
  • Coconut Oil: 2 teaspoons

Application:

  • Properly blend the oils in a small bowl.
  • Dab the oil blend on the teething pain area of the baby in the morning and before bedtime.

2. EO Blend for a Severe Toothache

A mixture of EOs can produce a greater effect in managing toothache than using one individually.

Recipe:

  • Clove oil: 4 drops
  • Cinnamon oil: 4 drops
  • Coconut oil: 1 teaspoon

Application:

  • Mix and blend the oils in a bowl.
  • Gently massage the tooth and gums with a cotton swab soaked in the oil mixture.
  • Repeat the treatment four times a day until the tooth pain subsides.

3. Oil Blend for Mouth Rinse

Rinsing your mouth with a blend of selective essential oils can relieve tooth pain.

Recipe:

Peppermint oil: 4 drops

  • Tea tree oil: 4 drops
  • Crushed fresh ginger roots: 2 tablespoons
  • Water: 2 cups

Application:

  • Boil water with crushed ginger in it.
  • Strain out the boiled water into a jar.
  • After cooling the water, add the essential oils to it.
  • Slowly rinse the mouth for 3 minutes with the oil-mixed solution after every 2 hours.

How to Use Essential Oils for Tooth Pain

You can use essential oils individually or as a blend of essential oils to relieve toothache.

Here are the ways you can make use of the oils:

  • Use EO mixed with warm water as a mouthwash.
  • Apply the diluted oil with a cotton swab on the gums surrounding the aching tooth.
  • For tooth pain caused by a cavity, stuff the cavity in the aching tooth with cotton threads soaked in a suitable essential oil.
  • Brush your teeth with essential oils mixed with baking soda, calcium phosphate, magnesium powder, or cinnamon powder.
  • For toothache caused by nerve pain, use aromatherapy with EOs like lavender oil, juniper oil, or rosemary oil.

Side Effects And Warnings

Most essential oils are not fit for consumption internally.

Do not ingest the EOs while using them for applications on the gums, rinsing the mouth, or stuffing the tooth cavity.

Essential oils like tea tree oil contain powerful chemical properties that can irritate the inner walls of the mouth, tongue, and gums. It is important to dilute the EO before use.

Essential oils are not a replacement for the prescription medicines recommended by your doctor. Using essential oils for toothache provides temporary pain relief and a soothing effect.

Essential oil treatment may not be suitable for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Patients on regular medication for serious health conditions should not use EO without consulting their doctor.

You can also use essential oils to treat other health conditions related to toothache. You may use EOs for calming the pain, easing muscle tension, reducing inflammation, and minimizing bleeding from oral wounds.

Essential oils are effective for treating many common health conditions. Keeping a basic kit of essential oils like lemon oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and oregano oil.

Ways To Use Clove Oil For A Toothache 

Undoubtedly, the most effective essential oil for tooth pain is clove oil, the most recommended oil.

Clove extracts and oil are commonly used ingredients in most natural mouthwash and toothpaste.

This oil contains powerful antimicrobial and plaque-fighting qualities, which are excellent for the health of teeth and gums.

How to use:

Add 10 drops of clove oil to 5 ounces of warm water to prepare an antiseptic and antiplaque mouthwash. Blend it properly, and use this mixture to thoroughly swish and rinse the mouth for 1 to 2 minutes.

Alternatively, brush your aching teeth and infected gums with clove oil.

Another option is to apply the clove oil with a cotton swab to the aching tooth and surrounding gums.

Ways To Prevent Toothache And Cavities

Tooth pain is one of the most common health issues most people suffer.

The American population is estimated to spend about $50 billion annually on dental care.

Childhood dental problems make American students lose 1.6 million school days collectively.

Brushing your teeth regularly and properly is the first step to warding off toothaches and gum infections.

Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for 2 to 3 minutes instead of the 40 seconds practiced by most people. Also, brush your teeth at least twice a day.

Compulsorily, brushing your teeth before retiring to bed at night or after the last meal of the day would be best.

Do not cap your toothbrush after using it; let it dry; this prevents the germination of harmful bacteria in the brush’s bristles.

Use dental floss to remove food and plaque between teeth in areas a toothbrush cannot reach.

Floss whenever you notice food particles stuck between your teeth.

Reduce soda, candy, and junk food to keep sugar off your teeth.

You should eat vitamins, calcium, and other mineral-rich foods.

Use a good quality toothbrush with soft to medium-strength bristles. Replace your toothbrush every three months or when it frays. It is best to use an electric toothbrush, which is far better than a traditional toothbrush.

Visit your dentist once a year for a general dental health check-up.

It is even better to make your dentist completely clean your teeth once every six months.

Finally, regularly use mouthwash enriched with essential oils like clove and peppermint oil to prevent tooth decay and pain.

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