Wednesday, September 4, 2024 - 18:51
September 4, 2024
According to preference testing, most people prefer minty-flavored toothpastes. However, this doesn't mean mint oils added to toothpaste have no purpose other than flavor. A dental cavity (caries) is a highly prevalent oral disease affecting billions of individuals globally. The disease occurs chemically as a result of breakdown of the tooth surface attributed to metabolic activity in colonizing biofilm. Biofilms are slimy communities of microbes that stick to each other and a surface. The biofilm protects microbes, like S. mutans, which can produce acids that contribute to tooth decay. While various antimicrobial agents may prevent biofilm formation, these drugs often produce side effects including enamel erosion and taste disturbances.
Peppermint has enjoyed a long medicinal history as every culture that has been blessed with peppermint in their borders has used the plant for medicine. Scientific researchers have found that the essential oil of peppermint is the most effective in killing what are called anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that thrive in a low oxygen environment) such as the bacteria that cause gum disease. Also according to recent studies peppermint essential oil significantly reduced S. mutans biofilm formation, eradicated existing biofilms, inhibited the bacteria, synergized the activity of chlorhexidine, and was nontoxic to healthy cells, showing that the oil is included in toothpastes for more than just flavor and has therapeutic activity.
HOW TO USE PEPPERMINT OIL FOR ORAL HEALTH
When using as a supplement, dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid such as goat's or rice milk, but for oral health, either add a drop of peppermint essential oil to your tea or to your toothpaste when brushing. You can also add it to coconut oil when oil pulling. A rinse of peppermint oil diluted in water can be a great way to quickly relieve bad breath or to get rid of bad tastes. This rinse can also be effective in helping to ease minor toothaches.