Our Take on Essential Oils in Toothpaste

Essential oils are gaining popularity in oral care, especially among those seeking fluoride-free alternatives. Plant-based oils in natural toothpastes like Revitin don’t just freshen breath — they help balance your oral microbiome, reduce plaque, and support gum health. 

This is a gentle yet effective approach to stronger teeth, healthy gums, and a brighter smile. Some natural toothpastes are better than others, so it’s important to choose safe, well-formulated options when shopping for them.

How Essential Oils Support Oral Health

Essential oils can play a powerful role in supporting oral health. Here are a few of the biggest benefits:

• Supports microbial balance: They support good bacteria in the mouth and discourage plaque-forming bacteria that cause tooth decay, periodontal disease, and bad breath.

• Breath freshening: They target the root causes of halitosis, or bad breath, rather than just masking the odor.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: They soothe irritated or swollen gums, reduce discomfort from gum inflammation, and support overall gum health.

• Plaque control: They reduce sticky buildup without disrupting good bacteria, lowering the risk of tartar buildup and cavities.

Essential oils can be a valuable addition to your daily oral care routine when used properly.

The Best Oils for Toothpaste

Some essential oils are better than others when it comes to oral hygiene. The most supportive ones don’t just freshen breath — they support gum health and encourage a balanced oral microbiome. Here are a few commonly used essential oils in natural toothpastes and how they work.

Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon oil contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound known for antifungal properties that reduce harmful bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis. [1] Studies show cinnamon oil is particularly effective against Streptococcus mutans, one of the main bacteria linked to tooth decay. [2]

Citrus Oils 

Citrus oils like orange, tangerine, and lemon provide fresh flavor and natural whitening. They also provide antioxidants that:

• Support gum health

• Reduce inflammation

• Help reduce odor-causing bacteria [3]

In natural toothpastes like Revitin, citrus oils are used in small doses to keep the benefits without risking enamel damage from direct acid exposure. That’s why it’s always best to choose safe, balanced products over creating DIY mixes for your dental care. 

Clove Oil

Clove oil has long been used to soothe oral discomfort and reduce harmful bacteria. [1] Because it’s stronger, it’s more common in traditional toothpastes than in microbiome-balancing formulas like Revitin.

Clove oil in toothpaste helps fight the bacteria that can lead to cavities and bad breath while supporting overall gum health. [4] Its warm, spicy flavor makes it a popular option for those with sensitive teeth.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular oils used in toothpastes. It’s known for its minty, fresh aftertaste, which comes from the compound menthol. That cooling effect can help soothe minor gum irritation and discomfort for some.

Peppermint helps freshen breath and discourage the bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. It may also help prevent the growth of oral pathogens, making the mouth feel cleaner and healthier. [5]

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is often used for its strong cleansing properties, which prevent pathogens from forming biofilms. [7] Biofilms are sticky layers that build up on teeth and gums, contributing to plaque buildup and interfering with the sialo-microbial-dental complex.

While effective, it’s more antiseptic than balancing, so gentler oils like spearmint are preferred in microbiome-supportive toothpastes.

Spearmint Oil (and Vanilla)

Spearmint essential oil offers a sweeter, milder flavor than peppermint, thanks to the compound carvone. [6] Its refreshing taste makes it a gentler option, often preferred by those with sensitive mouths. 

While many natural toothpastes rely on peppermint or tea tree for a strong antiseptic effect, Revitin takes a gentler, microbiome-first approach. Its creamy mint flavor comes from spearmint paired with vanilla, creating a refreshing but balanced blend. 

Spearmint oil helps trim back troublemaking bacteria while leaving the good ones intact, while vanilla oil adds soothing antioxidants that help support gum health. 

Together, they encourage balance in your oral microbiome rather than trying to sterilize your mouth.

Are There Any Oils To Avoid?

Some essential oils are better for applications outside of oral care. When used incorrectly or undiluted, these can be too harsh or irritating on your teeth and gums:

• Eucalyptus oil: This one is a popular ingredient in chewing gums that combat periodontitis, but large amounts can be toxic if swallowed. [8]

• Oregano oil: Chemical compounds like thymol are too strong for direct oral use and may irritate sensitive gum tissue. [9]

• Wintergreen oil: This one is popular in antiplaque and antigingivitis mouthwashes, but its active ingredient, methyl salicylate, can be harmful if ingested. [10]

Dilution is the key to safety and avoiding potential side effects. Professionally developed oral care formulas ensure you get the benefits without risking irritation or toxicity.

Why Revitin Includes Essential Oils in Its Formula

Revitin harnesses the natural benefits of essential oils like lemon and tangerine in its citrus formula and spearmint in its mint formula — supporting oral health in gentle yet effective ways. 

Citrus oils provide natural freshening and antioxidant support. They also help discourage odor-causing bacteria and promote a healthier oral microbiome. Spearmint oil offers a sweet, refreshing taste while supporting gum health and helping keep plaque in check.

Revitin also includes:

• Prebiotics (chondrus crispus, cranberry seed oil, Stevia leaf extract, and xanthan gum) to maintain a balanced microbiome without the harmful effects of sweeteners like xylitol.

• Antioxidants (vitamin C and E) to protect against oxidative stress and improve gum health.

• Anti-inflammatory enzymes (Coenzyme Q10/CoQ10) for gum tissue repair.

• Calcium carbonate to support remineralization and reduce surface plaque. 

You won’t find potentially harmful ingredients like fluoride, nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp), and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which are known to cause side effects.

Ready for an all-natural toothpaste formulated with lasting oral health in mind? Try Revitin, the first prebiotic toothpaste to treat oral health as whole-body health.

Safety Considerations

Essential oils are safe and effective for daily oral care when used in diluted, professionally formulated products. Revitin’s formula avoids harsh oils that act like antiseptics and instead focuses on oils that support a thriving oral ecosystem.

Some DIY approaches can damage enamel, irritate your gums, or even be toxic if ingested in large amounts. They may also lack the remineralization and cavity-fighting benefits of a trusted formula. 

FAQs

Can I brush my teeth with essential oils directly?

You should not brush your teeth with undiluted essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause irritation or disrupt the balance of your oral microbiome. This is why dilution is necessary. 

Can I make natural toothpaste with essential oils, baking soda, and coconut oil?

You can make a natural toothpaste with essential oils, baking soda, and coconut oil. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, which is why it’s popular for oil pulling. Baking soda, a less abrasive option than activated charcoal, helps neutralize acids and gently polish teeth. 

That said, a DIY toothpaste may not do much for cavity protection. While toothpastes like Revitin don’t include fluoride, they contain a powerful combination of natural ingredients. These include prebiotics that support a healthy oral microbiome and keep cavity-causing bacteria in check.

Can I make toothpaste using just baking soda and peppermint oil?

A baking soda and peppermint oil mix lacks remineralizing agents and proper pH balance to protect your enamel. Improper dilution of peppermint oil can also irritate your gums. For daily care, choose a professionally formulated toothpaste.

Improve Your Dental Health Naturally

Natural essential oils provide powerful balancing and soothing benefits, helping keep your mouth healthy — without harsh chemicals or artificial additives.

If you want a toothpaste that combines healing oils with prebiotics for truly holistic care, try Revitin. Developed by a top biologic dentist and designed to nurture your oral microbiome and promote oral and overall wellness. 

Sources

1. Radu, C.M., Radu, C.C., Bochiș, S.A., et al. (2023). Revisiting the therapeutic effects of essential oils on the oral microbiome. Pharmacy, 11(1), 33. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9958697/

2. Gandhi, H.A., Srilatha, K.T., Deshmukh, S., et al. (2020). Comparison of antimicrobial efficacy of cinnamon bark oil incorporated and probiotic blend incorporated mucoadhesive patch against salivary streptococcus mutans in caries active 7-10-year-old children: an in vivo study. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 13(5), 543-550. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7887182/

3. Benzaid, C., Belmadani, A., Tichati, L., et al. (2021). Effect of citrus aurantium L. essential oil on streptococcus mutans growth, biofilm formation and virulent genes expression. Antibiotics, 10(1), 54. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7827172/

4. Rajasekaran, J.J., Krishnamurthy, H.K., Bosco, J., et al. (2024). Oral microbiome: a review of its impact on oral and systemic health. Microorganisms, 12(9), 1797. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11434369/

5. Abdelrahman, S.M., El Samak, M., El-Baz, L.M.F., et al. (2024). Effects of mint oils on the human oral microbiome: a pilot study. Microorganisms, 12(8), 1538. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11356387/

6. Bouyahya, A., Mechchate, H., Benali, T., et al. (2021). Health benefits and pharmacological properties of carvone. Biomolecules, 11(12), 1803. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8698960/

7. Iseppi, R., Mariani, M., Benvenuti, S., et al. (2023). Effects of melaleuca alternifolia chell (tea tree) and eucalyptus globulus labill. essential oils on antibiotic-resistant bacterial biofilms. Molecules, 28(4), 1671. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9961662/

8. Sitaraman, R. & Rao, G.. (2019). A pediatric case of accidental eucalyptus oil poisoning from new delhi, india: emergency measures, historical context, and implications for practice. Cureus, 11(9), e5734. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6825461/

9. Leyva-López, N., Gutiérrez-Grijalva, E.P., Vazquez-Olivo, G., et al. (2017). Essential oils of oregano: biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties. Molecules, 22(6), 989. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6152729/

10. Chin, R.L., Olson, K.R., & Dempsey, D. (2007). Salicylate toxicity from ingestion and continued dermal absorption. The California Journal of Emergency Medicine, 8(1), 23-5. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2859737/