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| - Last Updated on November 10, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that mustard oil, turmeric and rock salt can cure toothaches instantly. We did the fact check to term this claim as Mostly False.
The Claim
As per an Instagram post, a mixture of mustard oil, turmeric powder, and rock salt can cure toothaches immediately. It further claims that the mixture can also address concerns about yellowness and swollen gums.
Fact Check
What do these ingredients do for dental health and can they treat toothache?
Not really. These ingredients are not effective for treating toothaches. Mustard oil, turmeric, and rock salt may provide some benefits for oral health, but they don’t address the root causes of dental pain. During our fact check, we found a 2022 study suggesting that a paste of mustard oil, turmeric, and rock salt may help treat gingivitis and periodontitis. However, this doesn’t mean they can cure toothaches. Another claim suggests that Sheetkari pranayama can cure toothaches, but we found no scientific evidence supporting this home remedy either.
Let’s look at these ingredients individually:
Mustard oil
Mustard oil is popular for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Some people use it in a practice called oil pulling, where they swish oil in their mouth to help remove bacteria. While mustard oil can help improve oral hygiene, there is no scientific proof that it can cure toothaches instantly. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help in pain relief for arthritis-like conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. A 2016 animal study suggests it has the potential to desensitise some pain receptors. However, studies in humans for specific oral concerns are lacking. It may support overall oral health, but it does not address the root causes of dental pain. Additionally, mustard oil and seeds can cause skin burns, and there is limited research on how to treat these burns, so a conservative treatment approach is advised.
Turmeric powder
Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies indicate that turmeric can reduce inflammation and pain. However, relying on turmeric as a sole treatment for toothaches is not effective. While it may provide some relief, it won’t resolve underlying issues like cavities or infections, which often require professional intervention. Also, it can stain your teeth.
Rock salt
Rock salt, or Himalayan salt, is sometimes used in saltwater rinses to reduce gum inflammation and freshen breath. These rinses can offer temporary relief, and may prevent tooth problems, but rock salt does not cure toothaches. If the pain is due to a cavity or dental infection, the issue must be treated by a dentist for proper resolution.
Dr Yogita Parmar, BDS, MPH, Max Healthcare, Saket, New Delhi, says, “As a dentist, I often see people trying home remedies like mustard oil, turmeric, and rock salt for dental issues. While these ingredients may have some antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties, they won’t treat a toothache or fix the underlying problem, like cavities or infections. Mustard oil can improve oral hygiene to some extent, but it won’t cure pain, and turmeric might even stain your teeth. If you’re dealing with a toothache, it’s always best to see a dentist, as we can pinpoint the cause and provide proper treatment.”
Apart from this, some people suggest lemon water for tooth pain relief. But, this is not supported by science.
Can this mixture of mustard oil, turmeric and rock salt reduce yellowness in teeth?
No, none of these ingredients are known to have teeth-whitening properties. There is no evidence to support the idea that mustard oil, turmeric, or rock salt can whiten teeth effectively. While turmeric has gained popularity in some home remedies for teeth whitening due to its bright yellow colour, it cannot make your teeth look whiter or have any significant impact on dental stains. Professional whitening treatments remain the most effective option for reducing tooth discolouration. People also promote other home remedies, like a mixture of mango seed, neem, cinnamon, and nutmeg for teeth whitening. But, similar to this one, the mango seed mixture does not have any teeth-whitening properties.
Dr Sanjeev Bhankhur, BDS, MPH, Dental Surgeon, AIIMS, New Delhi, says, “I would say that while mustard oil, turmeric, and rock salt are often suggested in home remedies, they won’t reduce yellowness in teeth. There is no scientific evidence that these ingredients can effectively whiten teeth or remove stains. In fact, turmeric may actually cause more staining. For those concerned about tooth discolouration, I recommend using dentist-approved whitening products or seeking professional treatment for the best results.”
How does this mixture help swollen gums?
The mixture’s claim to alleviate swollen gums is also questionable. While saltwater rinses may temporarily soothe gum inflammation, they do not address the underlying causes of swollen gums, such as gum disease or infection. Effective treatment of swollen gums typically involves professional dental care, including cleanings and addressing any dental issues.
Should you rely on home remedies instead of seeing a dentist?
Relying only on home remedies can be misleading. While mustard oil, turmeric, and rock salt might offer minor benefits, they cannot replace professional dental care. Regular visits to the dentist are key to keeping your teeth healthy, as they can identify and treat the actual causes of toothaches, ensuring your oral health is maintained in the long run. Ignoring dental pain and relying on unproven treatments can lead to bigger problems, such as infections or even tooth loss.
THIP Media Take
In short, the claim that mustard oil, turmeric, and rock salt can cure toothaches, whiten teeth, or relieve swollen gums is misleading. While they might offer some oral health benefits, they cannot replace professional dental care. For tooth pain or concerns about your teeth and gums, it’s important to see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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