Food-Grade Cinnamon Oil Gargling
Eating cinnamon-flavored treats is unlikely to bring any benefit when it comes to battling dental cavities. However, using cinnamon oil in the mouth merits a second look. Swishing diluted cinnamon oil in the mouth or using it as a gargle or mouth rinse helps reduce the accumulation of acid-producing bacteria that cause the formation of dental caries.
A comparative study involving cinnamon oil and clove oil found that cinnamon oil can potentially be helpful in dental cavity treatment. Many suggest using clove oil to arrest the growth of S. mutans and other harmful microorganisms in the mouth. However, it appears that cinnamon oil fares better for this purpose. Cinnamon oil also effectively reduces the expansion of the Candida ssp biofilm.
It is important to stress that cinnamon oil should be food-grade. Most cinnamon oil products are formulated as essential oils, especially those sold online. They are not supposed to be taken directly into the body as they can cause skin rashes and tissue burning upon contact. Most essential oils are also supposed to be diluted before use.
