Last Updated on: 22nd March 2024, 09:01 am
Currently, there has been evidence of an increase in resistance to antibiotics by different bacteria. Since the use of these drugs is not adequate, due to a lack of accessibility problems – which often does not allow continuity of treatment adherence to treatment and self-medication among other health system problems results. Antibiotic resistance is a problem that the WHO has been evaluating globally since the impact on health due to clinical repercussions and the cost is significant.
Plants with antibiotic activity, including those possessing antimicrobial properties, are a natural source of compounds. These compounds have been utilized by different cultures throughout history as traditional remedies for addressing infections and diseases. Incorporating essential oils for toothache infection is one such application of these plants. They can be employed in the form of infusions, extracts, or essential oils to manage mild conditions or complement the treatment of more severe diseases. However, it is important to note that seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is crucial before utilizing plants for medicinal purposes.
Therefore, studies with products from different natural resources have been carried out, making it possible to isolate substances with certain antimicrobial activity. The purpose is to identify the efficacy and antibiotic capacity of plant-derived products. Meanwhile, the population can safely make use of the recommendations regarding their use.
Table of Contents
What is a Dental Infection and what Causes it?
Dental infections are common conditions that affect oral health. These infections occur when bacteria invade dental tissue, causing pain, inflammation, and sensitivity.
They can be produced by :
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- Untreated cavities
- Dental fractures
- Plaque buildup
They can lead to the development of a dental infection. In addition to localized discomfort, such an infection can also cause:
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- Fever
- swollen lymph nodes
- It can even affect general health if not treated properly.
When tooth decay is left untreated, bacteria can penetrate the pulp, which is the central part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. This can lead to an infection in the pulp, commonly referred to as necrotic or dead pulp. Alongside tooth decay, dental fractures also provide an entry point for bacteria, potentially resulting in an infection.
Another possible cause is periodontal disease, a bacterial infection in the gums that can spread to the tooth roots and affect surrounding tissues.
What is an Essential Oil?
Essential oils have been used since ancient times around the world in many cultures for their pleasant aroma. They have also been called volatile oils or essences, which are extracted from trees and plants through a process called distillation or cold pressure.
They should not be confused with commercial oils for other applications. Essential oils are found naturally in plants and represent between 0.1 and 1% of their total weight, which is why they are of great commercial value. To extract a vial, a large portion of the plant is required.
These oils have different uses such as improving pain, healing, and relaxing, among others. It can be applied to the affected area of the oral cavity with a small glass, hyssop, or cotton swab. It can also be made into a rinse, always diluted in a glass of water.
Some of these oils, including the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection, are utilized as antibacterial agents and for pain management. It is crucial to ensure the use of pure essential oils of a medicinal or therapeutic type (check the label) for maximum efficacy. However, it is important to note that aroma oils, which are not intended for human consumption, can be toxic and are not recommended.
Essential Oils for Toothache Infection for Therapeutic use
Some of the best-known oils with a presented antibiotic or antimicrobial effect are:
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- Lemongrass oil: According to some studies, it has been shown to have antibacterial activity against various strains of bacillus. Buy On Amazon
- Oregano oil: is an antibacterial and antioxidant agent that can improve swelling and pain. Buy On Amazon
- Thyme oil: It has antiparasitic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, which may improve symptoms and control infection.
- Clove oil: It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties; thus, it is commonly used in toothaches or dental abscesses.
- Tea tree oil: With antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and healing properties, I on various harmful pathogens such as E. coli, S. aureus, and E. fecalis among others. It can be applied topically, orally as a diluted mouthwash, or inhaled using steam.
- Lavender oil: helps the healing process, with a calming (mild analgesic) and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Eucalyptus oil: Due to its high levels of cineole, it becomes a broad-spectrum antibiotic and also offers antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Eucalyptus fruit oil has the most antibacterial properties, effective even against some drug-resistant bacteria.
- Vanilla oil: It has an anesthetic capacity, which is not very high, but it helps to numb a toothache and relax inflamed gums.
- Extra virgin coconut oil: This is obtained from the seeds of the coconut palm; according to its large number of components, different properties and uses are attributed to it. Particularly lauric acid, one of its components, fights dental infections, contributes to enamel whitening, and prevents tartar. It helps reduce inflammation. It can be used several times a day in the morning as a rinse (for approximately 20 min) and at night for brushing. We suggest a tablespoon (approx 15 ml).
- Pure cannabidiol oil: It is extracted from hemp and the flowers of the plant Cannabis Sativa, along with other cannabinoids that do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This means that it is a natural product that does not have psychotropic or psychoactive activity (it does not generate addiction). The product must be pure and not contain traces of THC. For this reason, the WHO has classified it as a non-addictive substance and has approved studies searching for its therapeutic properties.
Below, we mention some of these properties; they should always be prescribed by your treating doctor and dentist.
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- Antimicrobial: In various studies, a reduction of bacterial colonies has been shown. It prevents the formation of the biolayer on the teeth derived from tartar which generates bacterial growth.
- Analgesic: Different studies have identified pain management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or a dental infection. Also, it has been identified to help with chronic pain. There are ongoing studies for different health conditions.
- Anxiolytic: improves the symptoms of anxiety and fear that a patient may experience before surgery or a visit to the dentist, as reported by the journal, Neurotherapeutics.
Recommendations
It is important to know that all essential oils must be diluted in other extracts or oils before use. Do not apply directly, since being highly concentrated, they can cause poisoning or allergies when in contact with the skin. For dental infections, the essential oil can be used by making a mouthwash (a few drops diluted in water) or via direct application (a few drops diluted in another oil; for example, coconut oil that can be ingested) with hyssop. Usually, the manufacturer indicates the need for dilution and by how much.
Under no conditions are essential oils to replace drug treatment or any other protocol indicated by the dentist; they are more effective as a complement to oral care to relieve minor symptoms, such as pain or evident inflammation.
Before using essential oils for medicinal purposes in dentistry, it is essential to seek the advice of a dentist or natural medicine specialist. They will be able to evaluate your specific case and provide you with appropriate recommendations.
The essential oils should be out of the reach of children since their ingestion can be toxic.
Remember that the dentist is the right person to advise you on the habits you must maintain, so do not hesitate to visit your dentist’s office frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential oils are classified according to their properties into different categories: floral, citrus, resin, stem, and leaf. Floral essential oils are highly recommended to combat stress, as they are cell regenerative and can also help relieve mental and emotional fatigue.
Heating the oil has an impact on its nutritional composition, causing the loss of essential fatty acids and vitamins. It also affects its sensory characteristics, such as texture, viscosity, aroma, and color. In addition, oxidation, polymerization, and hydrolysis reactions can occur during this process, generating toxic substances such as peroxides and free radicals, as described by Professor Cardenal Herrera of CEU University.
After being ingested, applied topically, or inhaled, every cell in our body experiences the effects of the essential oil in as little as 20 minutes. For this reason, many families choose aromatherapy as an alternative to non-natural options.
Many essential oils have a shelf life of between 2 and 5 years when stored in sealed, dark glass bottles and kept away from direct light and heat. However, some oils like patchouli, sandalwood, and vetiver can last 6-8 years.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about dental conditions that cause ear pain or other topics, you can contact us at Channel Islands Family Dental as well as our page on Facebook. We look forward to your visit and we will make a timely diagnosis. Our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura, Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will be able to guide you toward the best treatment to take care of your health and give you back your best smile.
Bibliography
- Margo Livingston, MD. (February 2021). CBD oil as an antibiotic. Organic PURECBD. https://www.pureorganiccbd.com/es/blog/medical-uses-for-cbd/cbd-oil-as-an-antibiotic/
- Valencia Higuera, Debra Rose. (April 1, 2021). How to Kill Bacteria with Essential Oils. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/antibacterial-essential-oils
- Sakkas, H., Economou, V., Gousia, P., Bozidis, P., Sakkas, V., Petsios, S., Mpekoulis, G., et al. (2018). Antibacterial Efficacy of Commercially Available Essential Oils Tested Against Drug-Resistant Gram–
- Positive Pathogens. Applied Sciences, 8(11), 2201. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app8112201
Kyra Oliver. (Jul 8, 2016). Top 4 Antibacterial Essential Oils. Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/essential-oils/antibacterial-essential-oils/ - Grady. (May 16, 2022). Benefits of Essential Oils. https://www.gradyhealth.org/blog/benefits-of-essential-oils/
- Abers, M., Schroeder, S., Goelz, L.et al. Antimicrobial activity of the volatile substances from essential oils. BMC Complement Med Ther 21, 124 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03285-3
- Jayne Leonard. Debra R, Wilson. (Jan 11, 2018). 11 benefits of tea tree oil. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262944