Peppermint oil for toothache is gaining popularity as a natural remedy to relieve tooth pain and discomfort. Toothache is a common dental problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, and injury.
While there are many over-the-counter pain relievers available, some people prefer to use natural remedies like peppermint oil and clove oil to treat their toothache.
In this blog post, we will explore the potential benefits of using peppermint oil for a toothache, how to use it, and some precautions to keep in mind. So, let’s go ahead and learn more about this natural toothache remedy!
I. How does peppermint essential oil help with toothache?
Peppermint essential oil is believed to have several health benefits, including its ability to help relieve toothaches.
Peppermint essential oil has been shown to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that can help relieve tooth pain and discomfort.
It is also thought to help reduce swelling and inflammation of the gums and promote overall oral health.
Indeed, this essential oil will help the immune system in its fight against bacteria and the infection they have created. It will act as a kind of natural bacteria cleanser.
II. How do you use peppermint essential oil for a toothache?
It doesn’t get much easier than using peppermint essential oil to relieve a toothache.
You take a few drops of carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil. You mix them with a few drops of peppermint essential oil.
With your fingers, you put a few drops of the mixture on the tooth that hurts. You then make a small delicate massage on the gum surrounding the tooth to allow the mixture to be absorbed and act accordingly.
You can also gently massage the cheek on the side of the tooth that hurts. This will help relieve the nerves carrying the pain to the brain and act as a sort of small anesthetic.
# Can I put peppermint oil directly on my gums?
It is best to avoid putting peppermint essential oil on the gums. It may irritate them and cause the opposite effect. Instead of relieving the toothache, it will create another problem, especially for people with fragile gums or weakened by diseases.
But otherwise, when mixed with carrier oil, it is advisable to massage the entire gum surrounding the painful tooth.
# Can you put peppermint essential oil on your teeth?
the same answer as for the gum. You can, especially if you see a hole in the tooth, put the essential oil of peppermint mixed with coconut oil in it, to accelerate its analgesic effect and allow it to clean the cavity of the bacteria in it.
# Does peppermint essential oil help swollen gums?
Gum inflammation is a very common dental problem that has affected everyone, at least once. Known as gum swelling, it occurs when the gum tissue becomes enlarged, inflamed, and tender.
Swollen gums can be painful and they can bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth.
One of the main reasons is the accumulation of plaque and tartar along the line between the teeth and gums, which can cause inflammation and irritation of the gums.
This can sometimes lead to gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums.
Other factors that can contribute to gum swelling include hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause or puberty, and certain medications that can cause gum inflammation as a side effect.
There is little scientific research on the effectiveness of peppermint essential oil for swollen gums, some studies suggest that it may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with gum inflammation.
But many testimonials from people who have used it are quite positive and say it can relieve gum-related pain.
# Is it safe to brush teeth with essential oils?
Coconut oil is one of the most recommended oils for cleaning teeth and mouth from bacteria. It is often used for scaling and whitening teeth at home.
On the other hand, the essential oil of peppermint, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic characteristics, is much recommended to remove dental pain.
We can easily deduce that the mixture of these two oils will only be beneficial for the cleanliness of teeth and mouth.
Mixing them to clean the teeth should have no negative consequences in most cases unless of course, the person is allergic to one of these oils.
# How do you rinse your mouth with peppermint oil?
Using peppermint essential oil as a mouthwash can be a useful addition to your oral hygiene routine.
Simply diluting the oil in water and swishing it in your mouth for 30-60 seconds can help freshen your breath and potentially offer some oral health benefits.
In summary, here are the simple steps to follow:
- Dilute peppermint oil: Peppermint oil is very concentrated, so it is important to dilute it before using it as a mouthwash. You can dilute it by adding a few drops of peppermint oil to a glass of water.
- Shake the solution in your mouth: Take a small sip of the solution and shake it around your mouth for 30-60 seconds. Be sure to spit out the solution and not swallow it.
- Repeat as needed: You can use peppermint oil as a mouthwash once or twice a day, or as directed by your dentist or health care professional.
III. How often can you use peppermint oil for a toothache?
You can use peppermint essential oil for toothache as needed, as many times as needed to relieve tooth pain. But it is important to use it in moderation.
Because frequent application or in large quantities can cause irritation or other adverse effects.
We remind you that it is recommended by specialists in the field to use essential oils safely and in moderation because excessive use can have adverse effects.
IV. Is there any evidence to support the use of peppermint oil for treating a toothache?
It is true that there are some scientific studies suggesting that peppermint oil may have some power to relieve toothaches, but these are not very conclusive.
In fact, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits.
A study published in the journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection found that peppermint oil had the potential as an antimicrobial agent and was effective against several types of bacteria commonly found in the mouth.
There is also, another study published in the Journal of International Oral Health that revealed that a peppermint oil gel was effective in reducing dental pain and inflammation in patients with gingivitis.
However, it is critical to note that these studies are limited in scope and more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of peppermint oil for toothache.
V. Is peppermint oil better than other painkillers for a toothache?
There are many types of pain relievers available for toothache relief, including over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as prescription pain relievers such as codeine.
Just be aware that these medications work by blocking the pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain, providing temporary relief from a toothache while the immune system works on the bacteria that caused the underlying inflammation and pain.
In terms of comparing peppermint oil to other pain relievers, the available research is really quite limited, if not non-existent to my knowledge.
Ultimately, the choice of an analgesic for toothache relief will depend on the individual and their particular situation.
I might add that the choice could be made by considering the origin of both. Indeed, peppermint essential oil is 100% natural, whereas over-the-counter medications are often based on chemical products, which have been tested but are still chemicals!
VI. Can peppermint oil be used to prevent a toothache?
The answer is both yes and no.
Yes, peppermint essential oil can help cleanse the mouth of the bacteria that cause all the diseases associated with dental problems. But it is a natural product that is only used occasionally, for its possible side effects on the gums and digestive system, when not used in moderation.
No, the only way to prevent toothaches is through dental hygiene, especially daily brushing of the teeth and a bi-annual visit to the dentist for a complete check-up of oral health.
VII. Other Questions about using peppermint oil for a toothache
1. Is peppermint oil a safe and effective option for treating toothache in pregnant women?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, peppermint oil is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used in moderation.
However, it is essential to avoid ingesting peppermint oil and to use it only in small doses when applied topically and it is healthier if diluted in a normal oil such as olive oil.
Indeed, according to experts, high doses of peppermint oil can sometimes cause uterine contractions, which can be dangerous during pregnancy.
2. Is peppermint oil better than clove oil and other painkillers for a toothache?
No, peppermint oil is not better than clove oil. On the contrary, the latter is much more effective when you have the opportunity to use it.
Except that, sometimes, some people’s bodies react better to peppermint oil than to clove oil. Also, some people may have an allergy to clove oil, which is very rare.
In any case, both oils are known to be very effective natural remedies for relieving toothache and reducing inflammation in the mouth.
3. Can peppermint oil be used for toothache from braces?
Toothache caused by braces is an ongoing problem that can be caused by several factors.
One of the main causes of toothache caused by braces is the pressure they exert directly on the teeth.
This is because they work by applying gentle, persistent pressure on the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. And this pressure can sometimes cause discomfort and pain, especially in the first few days after the braces are applied or after the adjustments.
Another common cause of toothache from braces is the irritation that braces can cause to the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth.
They consist of wires and brackets that can rub against the gums and other sensitive areas of the mouth, causing inflammation and pain.
Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to toothaches caused by braces. When food particles and bacteria are not properly removed from teeth and braces, they can build up and cause irritation and inflammation, leading to toothaches and other oral health problems.
So, in view of all this, we can easily deduce that applying peppermint as we have seen throughout this article can be very beneficial in relieving toothache caused by braces.
4. Is peppermint oil safe for children with toothache?
Peppermint oil is normally considered by experts to be safe for children when used in moderation and in an appropriate manner.
One important thing we have been saying since the beginning of this article is that it should be diluted with another vegetable oil and that it should not be used on infants or young children under 6 years of age without consulting a healthcare professional.
Peppermint oil could be really toxic if ingested in large quantities, and it can also cause skin irritation or respiratory problems if used incorrectly.
A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 1 to 2 drops of peppermint oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil. The diluted oil can then be applied locally to the tooth or gum.
5. Can peppermint oil be used for toothache in dogs and cats?
Yes, peppermint oil can be used for dogs and cats when they have a toothache or gum inflammation, as long as you follow the same instructions as for humans.
Animals also have feelings and can sometimes feel more pain than humans for the same problem.
6. What are the recommended dosages of peppermint oil for a toothache?
It can be used as many times as one wants until the pain disappears or at least is reduced, under the condition that it is diluted with vegetable oil, at a rate of 1 to 2 drops per tablespoon, and that it is never ingested to avoid digestive complications.
The ideal would be not to use it more than 10 times a day.
7. Is peppermint oil good for wisdom tooth pain?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort when they emerge, due to inflammation and pressure on the gums and surrounding teeth.
On the other hand, peppermint oil is often touted as a natural remedy for toothache.
When used topically on the area where wisdom teeth are located, it can create a soothing and cooling sensation that can provide temporary relief from toothaches.