Oral Care

Frankincense helps improve oral hygiene and prevent gum disease.

The boswellic acids from frankincense essential oil provides strong antibacterial properties, which may help prevent and treat oral infections [1].

In one test-tube study, frankincense extract was effective against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a bacteria that causes aggressive gum disease [2].

In another very small study, participants chewed gum containing frankincense for 5 hours, with saliva samples indicating reduced numbers of microbes each hour. The authors suggested that frankincense may decrease sources of infection in the mouth. [3]

Coconut oil combats tooth decay

Researchers in the Republic of Ireland at the Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) recently tested coconut oil against strains of Streptococcus bacteria, a common agent of tooth decay. The coconut oil was tested both in its natural state and after being treated with enzymes in a process comparable to digestion. The researchers found that partially-digested coconut oil turns into acids that are toxic to Streptococcus bacteria. [4] [5]

Frankincense and Myrrh used together against pathogens.

This study tested frankincense and myrrh samples against five test micro-organisms. It investigated the antimicrobial property of frankincense and myrrh in independent and combined form.

Study reports synergistic antimicrobial effects of frankincense and myrrh oils. [6]

Myrrh effectiveness for oral care

Topical application of myrrh has been shown to promote healing after tooth extraction. As such, current manufactures of mouthwash products are incorporating myrrh for purposes of fast-tracking the process of wound healing in the oral cavity.

A study conducted by Al Eid (2021) explored the efficacy of myrrh mouthwash on wound healing after tooth extraction. According to the results, myrrh mouthwash was able to speed-up the process of wound healing immediately after tooth extraction. [7]

Frankincense fighting bad breath and cavities

In this study, high school students with gingivitis were given gum that contained 100 milligrams of frankincense extract or 200 milligrams of frankincense powder. They chewed the gum for two weeks, and both gums were reported to be more effective at reducing signs of gingivitis than a placebo.

The boswellic acids that come from frankincense have good antibacterial properties, which help prevent and treat oral (mouth-related) infections. These include bad breath, toothaches, and cavities. [8]

Frankincense effectiveness against gingivitis

Frankincense may be applied to improve inflammation based disease of gingivitis. The effect of Frankincense in the treatment of moderate plaque-induced gingivitis: A double blinded randomized clinical trial. [9]

Maintains Oral Health

Frankincense helps maintain good oral health by targeting oral cavity pathogens.

The Boswellic acids can help to prevent cavity formation by killing bacteria. It can even help ward off gum disease and toothaches. [10]

Frankincense in theTreatment of Moderate Plaque

In this study, it was reported that due to the anti-inflammatory effects of the extracts and powder of frankincense, plaque-induced gingivitis showed improvement of inflammation of periodontium after using the extract and powder of the frankincense. [11]