Mint, the fragrant, refreshing plant, is synonymous with toothpaste. And mouthwash. And dental floss. And fresh breath in general. The garden staple came to be associated with oral health in general because it contains a compound called menthol, which made an excellent addition to teeth-cleaning products. The menthol in mint stimulates our nervous system, and our body interprets the stimuli as the tingly, cooling sensation we have all come to associate with minty freshness. In other words, it just feels clean.
Mint: The Oral-Health Powerhouse
This outstanding plant is easy to grow — in fact, the flavourful plant can be invasive and should be planted in a container to avoid aggressive spreading. And a reasonable amount of mint is a boon for our taste buds and our health.
Mint is also excellent for oral health, specifically. Clinical research has verified its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to stimulate saliva production, all of which play an important role in healthy mouths. Read on to find out how:
1. Provides Nutrients
Eaten in the proper quantity, plants in the mint family offer vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. The hitch is the "proper quantity" part of the equation. Spearmint, a popular member of the mint family, is a great source of vitamin A, iron and folate. Folate, vital for supporting pregnancy, is also particularly important for oral health because of its role in healthy cell growth and function.
Mint is also a powerful antioxidant, which means it can help our bodies overcome cellular damage. But you have to eat a bunch of mint to unlock the nutritive benefits: A serving size of spearmint is 1/3 cup of the minty leaves.
2. Soothes Swelling
Mint is widely attributed with anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its strong antioxidant action. Much like chamomile and green tea, rinsing with a mint-infused solution has been found to help ease swelling and counteract bleeding gums.
Specifically, the compound menthol, found in mint, seems to help kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent gingival bleeding. You can make a mint rinse by letting mint tea cool, then rinsing with it. This isn't recommended as a replacement for mouthwash, but to reap the benefit of mint on a daily basis, look for mouthwashes that contain menthol.
How to Enjoy It: Steep mint leaves or a mint tea bag in hot (but not boiling) water for up to 5 minutes, covered. Allow the liquid to cool completely, then swish and rinse as you would with any mouthwash.
