In
recent years, U.S. interest in using complementary or alternative medicine has
been growing steadily, according to the National Health Statistics Report. One popular
remedy among these medicines is essential oils, which, per Grandview Research,
may reach up to $12 billion in the global market by 2022. Those who are interested
in essential oils often claim they receive relief for many issues, such as flu
or cold symptoms, hormonal imbalances, and skin problems. However, some have
posed the question—can essential oils work in cases of dry mouth?
The Basics of Essential
Oils
For
those who may be wondering what essential oils even are, they are chemicals
within a plant, specifically the kind that give a plant its scent or flavor.
Whether by steam of force, the essential oils are carefully extracted from
plants, usually taking a large part of the plant in order to make small amounts
of oil. These oils are typically used for aromatherapy, meaning their scent allegedly
can help you cure whatever it is that ails you. Additionally, it’s said that you
can mix drops of essential oil into mouthwash for treating mouth
problems or even apply the oil topically for treating scalp problems and other
skin irritations.
Dry Mouth
Several
essential oils that might be recommended for treating dry mouth include peppermint
oil and clove oil, with the latter said to possess antibacterial properties
that can help lower risk of infection and cavities often linked to dry mouth. On
the other hand, peppermint oil is commonly mixed in with toothpaste and mouthwash
and is said to stimulate saliva production within the mouth.
Efficiency of Essential
Oils
As to
whether essential oils can help with dry mouth, this may depend on how well
they’re used. According to an overview of reviews that examined the oils’ use
in aromatherapy, only 10 out of over 200 reviews satisfied the overview’s
inclusion data, with those that qualified producing sound evidence in favor of
essential oils’ effectiveness when used in aromatherapy. On the other hand, a
systemic review by the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects stated
that essential oils in mouthwash could provide additional relief in terms of
gum disease and plaque reduction when used through standard oral healthcare
practices. Unfortunately, these studies didn’t evaluate a direct link between
dry mouth and essential oils.
What Else Treats Dry Mouth?
For
individuals trying to manage dry mouth, the first step to take is seeing your
dental professional to learn methods for coping with dry mouth or treating
it. Typically, chronic conditions or medications cause dry mouth, so
treating the medical issue or adjusting a medication’s dose could help in
alleviating symptoms—it’s crucial in treating dry mouth that you figure out
what’s causing it in the first place. Your dentist can also recommend various home
remedies for alleviating your discomfort, ranging from frequent sips of
water to chewing sugarless gum in order to stimulate saliva production.
Need
to make a dental appointment but worried about the high costs of dental care?
Our New Hampshire supplemental dental insurance
can save you as
much as 20 percent off your bill. For more information or to sign up for coverage, click
here.
