Effect of Essential Oil Mouthwashes on Plaque and Gingivitis Patients visiting me usually ask me which mouthwash or oral rinse to use and how is it beneficial in maintaining oral health. The article below will help you understand how oral rinses are a important in maintaining your oral health and the beneficial effects of essential oils in them.
The effect of essential oils on the oral health have been studied and proven. The mouthwashes containing the essential oils have been gaining importance. The aromatic oily liquids that are obtained from plant materials such as seeds, flowers, bark, buds, twigs, herbs, woods, fruits, and roots are known as essential oils. However, it is useful to understand whether the presence of essential oils has a positive effect on the primary oral health concerns such as plaque and gingivitis. Let us first have an overview of these two conditions along with a brief idea about mouthwashes to have a better understanding.
What is Plaque? Our oral region has abundant bacteria as it is frequently exposed to the environment. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky colorless film called the “plaque” on the teeth. Often, when we brush or floss, the plaque is removed. However, if the plaque is not removed frequently, it will harden and form tartar that cannot be removed by brushing or floss and would require the help of the professionals.
What is Gingivitis? The longer the plaque and tartar are left on the teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria present on the plaque and tartar can lead to inflammation of the gums, resulting in a condition called as “gingivitis.” In this condition, the gums become red and swollen, and they bleed easily. However, the condition can be managed through daily brushing and flossing along with regular cleaning by a dental hygienist.
What is Mouthwash? Mouthwash is a liquid which is held in the mouth and swished by the action of the oral muscles to eliminate the harmful oral microbes. The earliest reports of the use of mouthwashes or mouth rinse are attributed to the Indian and Chinese forms of medicine.
Mouthwashes are made of two types of ingredients: active ingredients and inactive ingredients.
The active ingredients are the ones that help reduce plaque and gingivitis and can include CPC, Chlorhexidine, and Essential oils.
The inactive ingredients that are commonly used are alcohol, water, buffering agents (that adjust the pH levels of the formulations), flavoring agents, and surfactants.
Effect of essential oil mouthwashes on plaque and gingivitis: Dental plaque happens to be the primary factor for the initiation and progression of the oral problems. As plaque is also responsible for gum problems such as gingivitis, it becomes crucial to remove the plaque for maintaining oral health. Earlier, the mouthwashes that were available were made of chemical compounds such as chlorhexidine and CPC, which was later found to have harmful effects on the health. This was when the role of essential oils in dental health was realized, and numerous studies have been carried out ever since. Essential oils have been studied for their antibacterial effects and have received a lot of attention in the maintenance of oral health and hygiene. As essential oils are prepared from the naturally available products, they not only have oral health benefits but also rarely have side effects. Conclusion: Essential oils have been gaining a lot of attention in oral hygiene owing to their antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. A list of essential oils that maintain oral health are known and include menthol, thymol, eucalyptol, oil of wintergreen, and so on. Many studies have been performed and reviewed to conclude the efficiency of mouthwashes containing essential oils. Based on the scientific evidence, it can be concluded that essential oil containing mouthwashes have a positive effect on plaque and gingivitis. There are many options available in the market. However, look for the mouthwash that can effectively kill germs and overcome gum diseases such as Gingivitis
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