Evidence supporting the use of: Peppermint
For the health condition: Gingivitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) is included in several commercial oral hygiene products and mouthwashes, and its use in supporting gingivitis is supported by some scientific evidence. The primary component, menthol, exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are relevant to oral health. In vitro studies have demonstrated that peppermint oil can inhibit the growth of common oral pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, both of which are implicated in gingivitis and periodontal disease. Additionally, peppermint oil’s anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce gingival inflammation, a hallmark of gingivitis.

However, the overall quality and quantity of clinical evidence in humans is limited. Most available studies are small, short-term, or assess peppermint oil as part of a combination of essential oils rather than as a standalone intervention. For example, some clinical trials have evaluated mouthwashes containing peppermint oil (often combined with eucalyptol, thymol, and methyl salicylate) and found modest reductions in plaque and gingival inflammation compared to placebo. These improvements, while statistically significant in some cases, are generally less pronounced than those seen with chlorhexidine or other gold-standard treatments.

In summary, while the use of peppermint oil for gingivitis has a plausible scientific basis and some supporting evidence, robust clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, peppermint oil should be considered an adjunct, rather than a primary treatment for gingivitis, pending further research.

More about Peppermint
More about Gingivitis

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anamu
ananain
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
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babchi
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bacteria
balsam
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
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bayleaf
bee hive
bee pollen
bee propolis
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bio ecolian (proprietary)
bioflavonoids
bitter grass
black garlic
black nightshade
black pepper
black seed
black walnut
blackberry
blackboard tree
Blepharis
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Bombax
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borassus palm
borneol
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bromelain
Broussonetia
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Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
Calendula
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Carthamus
carvacrol
caryophyllene
cat's claw
catechins
cayenne pepper
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Centella asiatica
Centipeda
chamomile
chlorophyllin
Cinnamomum
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citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut milk
coconut oil
commiphora
copaiba oil
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corktree
costus
Dianthus
Dichrostachys glomerata
elephant\'s head
ellagic acid
empresstree
enzymes blend (proprietary)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
eugenol
Euphorbia
Evodia
ferula assafoetida
Ficus religiosa
flavans
flavonols
flavonones
frankincense
fucoidan
fulvic acid
Galangal
Gallesia
gallic acid
Gambir
garlic
genipap
geraniol
geranium
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
glyceryl monolaurate
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Gnaphalium
goldenseal
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
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green tea
Guava
gum
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Horsemint
Indian bael
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iridoid glycosides
iridoids
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isoquinoline alkaloids
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labrador tea
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
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peony
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polyphenols
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probiotics
procyanidin
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punicalagins
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quercetin
Quisqualis
raspberry
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rosmarinic acid
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sage
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Salvia
schizonepeta
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Stereospermum
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streptococcus thermophilus
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zanthoxylum
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