Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil, which is a common additive in most toothpastes, is good for fighting gum problems.

A new study has revealed that tea tree oil, which is a common additive in most toothpastes, is good for fighting gum inflammation, but cannot fight plaque or tooth decay.

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According to ABC Online, the study which has been published in the current issue of Australian Dental Journal, found that a gel containing tea tree oil brushed onto the teeth twice a day reduced gingivitis i.e inflammation in the gums caused by not cleaning your teeth regularly, but it does not have an antimicrobial effect on the bacteria that cause plaque.

The Researchers from the University of Adelaide studied 49 people up to 60 years old, all with severe, chronic gingivitis. Most also had periodontitis, an inflammatory disease that attacks the ligaments and bone supporting the teeth.

The participants brushed twice a day with either a gel containing tea tree oil, chlorhexidine, which is used to treat gum disease, or a placebo gel. It was found that no matter what they used, all participants had increased levels of plaque.

The researchers also found that in some cases where the gum inflammation was too much, tea tree oil was not very effective. However, it was found to be useful against other ailments insect bites and it also was an effective antimicrobial agent, particularly against nasal staphylococcus infections, or staph-infected wounds.