The use of medicinal lavender and its effects - Oral care, the field of dentistry

This article contains information about organic medicinal lavender - Lavandula Bohemia and links to research articles demonstrating its healing properties. 

Effects of lavender essential oil and its clinical significance in dentistry

  • Essential oils are known to have many medicinal properties and have been used since the Middle Ages
  • Lavender essential oil is known to have rich healing properties, it is antimicrobial, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and has antioxidant properties.
  • Incorporating the use of lavender essential oil in the field of dentistry has many benefits, without side effects.
  • Therefore, the current use of lavender essential oils in the field of dentistry is promising.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35991803/
May 2022

 

Essential oils in the treatment and management of dental diseases

  • Essential oils have a significant preventive and therapeutic effect in the treatment of oral diseases, especially dental diseases. 
  • Essential oils are often used to treat oral diseases because of their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • The use of lavender essential oil is suggested because of its high antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory content.
  • Recent WHO studies show that dental diseases are the most commonly occurring diseases in society.
  • Therapeutic efficacy has been demonstrated in the treatment of periodontitis, dental caries, toothache, gingivitis, and dental plaque. 
  • Various preclinical and clinical studies support the safety and efficacy of essential oils.
  • Already today, lavender essential oil-based products are used commercially.
  • Essential oils of clove, lavender, mint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon, tea tree, and ylang-ylang have high therapeutic efficacy in dental diseases.

https://doi.org/10.33263/BRIAC126.72677286
June 2022

 

Lavandula angustifolia essential oil - suppression of key components of bad breath

  • Fusobacterium nucleatum is a bacteria that produces volatile sulfur compounds - the source of bad breath.
  • Efforts are made to eliminate volatile sulfur compounds through natural essential oils.
  • The effect of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia), extracted by hydrodistillation, was investigated.
  • The use of lavender essential oil significantly reduced the excretion of volatile sulfur compounds.
  • The antibacterial effect values ​​are comparable to chlorhexidine.
  • Lavender essential oil has been found to be highly effective in preventing the production of volatile sulfur compounds by bacteria.
  • Lavender essential oil can be a suitable alternative to conventional chemical-based anti-odor agents.
  • Chemical analysis of lavender essential oil lists five main components, with camphor being the most represented (almost ⅓).

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38482175/
February 2024

 

Antimicrobial efficacy of five essential oils against oral pathogens

  • The study investigated the effect of lavender essential oil against pathogens in the oral cavity.
  • The antimicrobial activities of tea tree oil, lavender, thyme, and peppermint oils were studied.
  • The results prove that these oils are effective as intracranial antiseptics against oral pathogens.
  • They have antidepressant, hypotensive, and calming effects on stress, anxiety, and general weakness. 
  • They are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory for colds, flu, sinusitis, and throat infections. 
  • They balance, soothe, regenerate, and are effective for acne, eczema, dandruff, hair loss, lice, and diaper rash.
  • They heal sunburns, insect bites, ulcers, relieve athlete's foot, rashes, and herpes simplex.
  • They have a cleansing and soothing effect, helping with colic, indigestion, and gastroenteritis. Acts as a sedative and decongestant, lowering blood pressure and reducing palpitations.

https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.4103/1305-7456.119078
2013

 

Essential oils as therapeutic agents

  • There are more than 750 species of bacteria in the oral cavity, many of which are involved in disease.
  • Poor oral health is associated with chronic conditions and systemic diseases. 
  • Essential oils exhibit bactericidal activity against oral and dental pathogens and are therefore included in mouthwashes.
  • A 6-month clinical study demonstrated the effectiveness of lavender essential oil rinses, showing effects against dental plaque and prevention of dental caries.
  • Mouth rinses containing essential oils (phenol) are already used as pre-operative preparations.
  • Studies prove that alternative prevention and treatment options with essential oils are effective and safe.
  • In contrast, commercially available products alter the oral microbiota and therefore have undesirable side effects. 
  • Oral health affects overall quality of life.

http://www.ijocrweb.com/pdf/2013/July-September/9128_Review%20Article.pdf
November 2013

 

Best Essential Oils for Toothache

  • Certain essential oils have been shown to temporarily reduce toothache.
  • They may also have other benefits for oral health.
  • Lavandula angustifolia has been a popular aromatherapy agent since ancient times for its soothing aroma.
  • Several studies have found that lavender can reduce the perception of pain.
  • Lavender essential oil contains linalool, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it beneficial for reducing dental plaque and fighting tooth decay.
  • A study of 30 volunteers found that inhaling lavender oil reduced stress and pain.
  • Drinking lavender tea is also recommended for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/essential-oils-for-toothache
2024

 

The role of lavender essential oil in dental care

  • The study proves the effectiveness of essential oils in treating diseases of the oral cavity.
  • Essential oils, including lavender, are safe, economical, effective, and readily available.
  • Therefore, essential oils isolated from plants are considered a good alternative to synthetic chemicals.
  • By inhibiting prostaglandins, lavender helps relieve pain.
  • Due to these effects, lavender oils may be a promising replacement for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in dentistry.
  • It can also be used topically as an ointment for gingivitis.
  • There are already commercially available gentle dental preparations such as toothpaste, powders, chewing gum, and dental floss.
  • Examples from the study indicate the possibility of wider use of oils as preventive or curative therapy.
  • In combination with other medicines, they can help reduce the overall burden of oral disease in the world.

https://www.ijcpd.com/abstractArticleContentBrowse/IJCPD/5/15/3/28820/abstractArticle/Article
May 2022

 

A study of lavender essential oil in aromatherapy and the effect on fear of dental treatment in children

  • A study showed that lavender essential oil in dentistry significantly reduced heart rate and anxiety. Lavender essential oil is therefore offered as a source of potential natural treatment.
  • 60 children between the ages of 6 and 12 were randomly selected and given lavender and patchouli before dental treatment.
  • Lavender and patchouli oils improved their physiological and physical well-being, as they also have sedative effects.
  • There was a significant reduction in anxiety scores and heart rate.
  • Aromatherapy appears to be another safe therapeutic approach to alleviating the fear of dental treatment.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10753106/
September 2023

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