Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Thymol is a natural monoterpene phenol found in thyme oil and is widely recognized for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Its use for oral health, particularly in supporting gum health, is supported by scientific evidence, though most data come from in vitro studies and clinical trials involving mouthwash formulations. Thymol is a key active ingredient in many commercially available antiseptic mouthwashes (such as Listerine^®). Studies indicate that thymol can inhibit the growth of oral pathogens, reduce plaque formation, and decrease gingival inflammation, which are all factors related to gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).

Several randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated that mouthwashes containing thymol, often in combination with other essential oils, are effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis when used as an adjunct to regular brushing and flossing. The mechanism is believed to involve disruption of bacterial cell membranes and inhibition of biofilm formation. However, most studies evaluate formulations containing multiple ingredients, making it difficult to isolate the effects of thymol alone. Nonetheless, its antimicrobial activity is well documented in laboratory studies.

In summary, the use of thymol for supporting gum health is scientifically supported, especially as part of oral hygiene products, but the evidence is mainly moderate as it is often combined with other active compounds. Thymol’s role is validated, but more research is needed to clarify its specific contributions when used in isolation.

More about Thymol
More about Gums

Other ingredients that support Gums

Acacia
Agonandra
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Alchemilla
Alkanna
Allicin
Allspice
Aloe vera
anthocyanins
apple
apple cider vinegar
Areca
Ascophyllum nodosum
asiaticoside
aucubin
avens
Baccharis dracunculifolia
bai ji
balsam
bayberry
bee products
bee propolis
benzoin
berry
betel
betony
bilberry
bioflavonoids
bistort
blackberry
Bletilla
bloodroot
Boswellia
Brazilian peppertree
cajuput
Calendula
Calycophyllum
canaigre
capsicum
cardamom
carvacrol
Casearia sylvestris
catechins
catechu
cayenne pepper
cinquefoil
Cistus
Citrus
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coca
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
Collinsonia
comfrey
commiphora
cranesbill
Curcuma
curcumin
Curcuminoid
cutch
Cyanthillium cinereum
dragon\'s blood
Drynaria
Echinacea
emblicanin
eugenol
European five-finger grass
fiber
flavanones
flavans
flavonoids
flavonols
flavonones
fleabane
fluoride
fluorine
frankincense
fructoborate
Gambir
garlic
Glechoma hederacea
goldenseal
goldenseal
goldthread
gooseberry
Guava
heal-all
Heliopsis
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
hesperidin
honey
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian frankincense
Indian kinotree
Jaboticaba
Kigelia africana
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactoperoxidase
Lady's Mantle
lemon
Leptospermum scoparium
leucoanthocyanidins
licorice root
lime
lingonberry
lodhtree
lysozyme
Mahonia
mallow
Malva sylvestris
mango
manzanita
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Marshmallow
Massularia acuminata
Mastic gum
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Menthol oil
Mineral ascorbate
mixed carotenoids
Mucilage
Myrobalan
Myrrh
Nasturtium
Neem tree
New Jersey Tea
Nimbidin
Oak
Oleuropein
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oregon grape
Orris
Pacific madrone
pagoda tree
Pedra hume
Pellitory
Persimmon
phenolic compounds
Phosphate ascorbate
pine bark
Plantago
plantain
polyphenols
Potentilla
prickly ash
proanthocyanidins
procyanidin
procyanidol
Propolis
Pterocarpus marsupium
Pterospermum
punicalagins
Pycnogenol
raspberry
Rhus coraria
Rhus coriaria
Rhus glabra
Rosa californica
rose hips
Rubus
sage
Sangre de Grado
Sanicle
Sapindus mukorossi
Self-Heal
shepherd's purse
Silverweed
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
Smoketree
Spanish Needle
Spilanthes
Streptococcus oralis
Streptococcus salivarius
Tannins
Tea Tree Oil
Terminalia
Thymol
Toothache Plant
Tridax
Triphala
turmeric
Ulmus
Vestitol
vitamin C
vitamin K
Water Pepper
White oak
White Tea
white willow
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
Yellow root
Yerba Mansa
zanthoxylum
Zinc

Other body systems supported by Thymol

Digestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Immune System
Intestinal System
Lungs
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Sinuses
Skin
Teeth
Thymus

Products containing Thymol

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.