Gingivitis is a form of  inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets (alveolar bone). First there is plaque, a sticky substance made from bacteria, mucus and food. Plaque if not removed becomes tartar. Plaque and tartar  irritate and inflame the gums. Bacteria and their byproducts  cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender. Gingivitis can also be caused from overly  brushing or flossing of the teeth especially if the brush is infected.

Teeth that are misaligned, rough edges of fillings, and ill-fitting or unclean mouth appliances (such as braces, dentures, bridges, and crowns) can irritate the gums and increase the risk of gingivitis. Many people have gingivitis to a varying degree. It usually develops during puberty or early adulthood due to hormonal changes and may persist or recur frequently, depending on the health of your teeth and gums.

2. We are looking for oils that can be taken internally, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious. Look to Gritman for your essential oil needs and information.

Tea Tree – is a wonderful mouth oil. It is anti-inflammatory,  it is anti-infectious, and it will not hurt you if you swallow it.

Clove Bud is often sighted in the books as an oil to consider, but it is not to be taken internally. Being a powerful analgesic, it is rubbed into the gums when there is pain. This is a temporary measure and a dentist needs to be consulted as soon as possible.

Myrrh – is a mild analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious. It is noted to stop the bacteria that can start in the mouth and effect the heart. It’s ability to stop gums from bleeding is amazing especially if the gingivitis is mild.

Peppermint- is a strong analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious. It is also noted to improve the breath and digestion, so it is save to swallow.

Lemon – is a powerful detox and anti-infectious oil. This oil, if swallowed, will also not cause a problem, but it needs to be organic. Pressed oils are not distilled.

Cinnamon Bark – is one of the most powerful of the anti-infectious oils. Cinnamon Leaf and Cassia Bark are also known as Cinnamon but not as mouth friendly. All cinnamons are hot and will need special care if used. If the Gingivitis is severe, cinnamon definitely needs to be considered.

Thyme Linalool Type – Thyme is a good anti-infectious oil and not very mouth friendly but linalool type has lavender like pieces in it and it makes it more desireable especially if there is major infection in the mouth.

Let’s make this blend for general prophylactic use. We can focus on using Tea Tree, Peppermint, and Myrrh. If there was severe infection, we would use the other oils.

3. In a 10 ml or 1/3 oz bottle there is 250 drops. Do we want the oils to be in equal amounts or does one oil need to be more? If there is a little bleeding of the gums, myrrh can be half the blend. If there is no problem, you can blend in equal amounts.  Peppermint can be very strong and if the taste is overwhelming then the number of drops needs to be less.

4. Drop 60 drops of tea tree, 60 drops of myrrh, 60 drops of peppermint into the 1/3 oz bottle. Cap. Shake. Label.

5. No need for carrier. If we were using cinnamon or thyme, we might consider this.

Application: a drop or two can be added to toothpaste on the toothbrush, a few drops can be rubbed onto dental floss and used, or drop  onto Q tip and rub into gums.

Make a mouth wash with rum and water. Add rum to a bottle, add some of blend to the rum, shake, and fill with water.  Cap, shake, and label. Shake before using. Use as you would any mouth wash.

Make dental powder. Use baking soda and add the blend to taste. Dip into toothbrush and use normally.

Add a drop to the toothbrush just to keep it fresh and free from bacteria, after use.