Evidence supporting the use of: Essential oil (unspecified)
For the body system: Teeth

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Essential oils have a long history of traditional use in oral hygiene and dental care across various cultures. Oils such as clove, peppermint, tea tree, and myrrh have been employed in folk medicine to address toothaches, gum inflammation, and oral infections. Clove oil, in particular, contains eugenol, which has anesthetic and antiseptic properties and has been used traditionally for dental pain relief. Some essential oils are found in modern natural mouthwashes and toothpastes, often marketed for their ability to freshen breath or provide antimicrobial benefits.

However, while in vitro studies have shown that some essential oils possess antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens, high-quality clinical trials confirming their efficacy and safety for dental health are limited. The evidence base is therefore stronger for their traditional use than for rigorous scientific validation. The existing scientific evidence is mostly preliminary and does not consistently demonstrate significant benefits over conventional dental products. Essential oils should not be applied directly to teeth or gums without dilution, as some can cause irritation or allergic reactions. In summary, essential oils are primarily used for oral health due to traditional practices, with some limited supportive scientific rationale, but robust clinical validation is lacking.

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