Tea tree oil is a popular component of various at-home dental remedies, said to help control plaque, freshen breath, ease tooth pain, and treat periodontal disease. And natural, DIY remedies are attractive to people for many reasons, not least because tooth pain can strike at times the dentist's office isn't open. There's a big "but" coming: the oil can be toxic if ingested, so it must be used in products that are spit out, such as toothpaste and mouthwash. The threshold of human toxicity when consumed orally isn't well understood, either. That's why it's so important to check with a health professional before trying products or remedies that are new to you. Talk to your dentist before trying any at-home oral care remedies. To learn more about tea tree oil and your teeth, consider these three common questions along with their answers.
