National Tooth Fairy Day is August 22nd—and while the Tooth Fairy may be most interested in what’s under your pillow, I think there’s another reason to pay attention to those pearly whites.
Your mouth may have a much bigger connection to your overall wellness—and even your mental well-being—than you realize.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to speak at a mental health conference. One of my fellow speakers was a biological dentist, and some of the information she shared stopped me in my tracks. We tend to think of our mouth, our body and our brain as separate systems. But they aren't operating independently.
In fact, researchers are increasingly exploring what is sometimes called the oral-brain axis—the fascinating communication between the microorganisms and inflammatory processes in our mouths and what's happening throughout the body and brain.
And this connection goes both ways.
MOUTH & MIND CONNECTION
Your mouth is home to a remarkably complex community of microorganisms—the oral microbiome. When that microbial community becomes imbalanced, or when gum disease creates ongoing inflammation, the effects aren't necessarily confined to your mouth.
Research suggests that oral bacteria and inflammatory signals may influence the rest of the body through the bloodstream, immune system and the oral-gut-brain connection. Researchers are also investigating how oral microorganisms may interact with pathways involved in brain health and mental well-being.
That doesn't mean that poor oral health causes depression, anxiety or neurological disease. The science is much more complicated than that, and researchers are still working to understand cause and effect.
But the associations are intriguing.
A 2024 systematic review of 31 studies found that tooth loss, oral pain and impaired oral function were consistently associated with increased depressive symptoms. Other research has found relationships between stress, anxiety, depression and changes in the oral microbiome and inflammatory processes.
And the relationship can work in the other direction, too.
When we're stressed, overwhelmed or struggling emotionally, healthy habits can be some of the first things to slide. We may brush less consistently, reach for more sugary foods, clench or grind our teeth, experience dry mouth or simply put off dental appointments.
In other words:
A stressed mind can affect the mouth and an unhealthy mouth may contribute to stress on the body and mind.
That's worth paying attention to.
GUMS ARE PART OF WHOLE-BODY WELLNESS
Periodontal disease isn't simply about having bleeding gums or needing a little extra time in the dentist's chair.
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease involving the tissues that support your teeth.
Chronic inflammation in the mouth can contribute to inflammatory activity throughout the body, which is one reason researchers continue to investigate connections between periodontal health and conditions beyond the mouth.
Think about it this way:
Your mouth is one of the body's major gateways.
Every day, you eat, drink, breathe and swallow through it. So, maintaining a healthy oral environment is another piece of the larger wellness puzzle.
And just like I always say about self-care:
the little things you do consistently matter.
SUPPORT ORAL CARE ROUTINE NATURALLY
I'm a big believer that natural wellness doesn't mean instead of professional care. It means looking for simple ways to support your body alongside good nutrition, regular brushing and flossing, professional dental care and the guidance of healthcare providers.
Essential oils can be one of those supportive tools.
Several essential oils have properties that make them interesting additions to an oral-care routine depending on your needs. Of course, they aren't a substitute for brushing, flossing or treatment from your dentist, but they can complement a thoughtful oral wellness routine.
Clove has long been associated with traditional oral care and contains eugenol, a naturally occurring compound that has been extensively studied for its antimicrobial and soothing properties. It may help soothe oral discomfort, support a clean oral environment and calm inflammation.
Clove is a particularly potent essential oil, so a little goes a long way. If you put a drop of undiluted Clove directly in your mouth, know that it can be a little warm and spicy!
Myrrh has an exceptionally long history of traditional use for oral and skin care. Its chemistry has demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in laboratory research, which makes Myrrh an interesting oil for supporting a clean, healthy oral environment.
It's also one of the reasons Myrrh has been included in traditional mouth-care preparations for generations – helping fight plaque, soothe gums, heal sores and neutralize bad odors.
Frankincense is another beautiful oil to consider when you're thinking about overall wellness and oral care. Frankincense contains naturally occurring compounds, including boswellic acids and active terpenes, that have been studied for their antimicrobial and inflammation-modulating properties.
That makes Frankincense an interesting addition to an oral-care routine when your goal is supporting healthy gums and maintaining a clean, balanced oral environment.
Wintergreen is best known for its naturally occurring methyl salicylate, which gives it that unmistakable minty aroma and cooling sensation. This compound is also why Wintergreen has traditionally been associated with soothing minor aches and discomfort.
Because Wintergreen is particularly potent, use extra caution with it. Methyl salicylate can be harmful if swallowed in excessive amounts, and it is especially important to keep Wintergreen safely away from children. That sweet, minty aroma can be appealing, but this is definitely an essential oil that needs to be treated with respect.
When used appropriately, I personally love adding a drop to my toothbrush with toothpaste for an extra minty boost to my oral-care routine.
Copaiba is another fascinating essential oil because of its naturally occurring beta-caryophyllene, a compound that interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system.
Copaiba is often used in wellness routines for its soothing and antioxidant properties and can be a gentle complement to a broader approach to supporting the body's inflammatory balance. Some research suggests Copaiba may also have properties that could support healthy gums and the oral environment, making it an intriguing addition to a natural oral-care routine.
READY-MADE NATURAL ORAL-CARE OPTIONS
If you're looking for an easy way to incorporate essential oils into your daily oral-care routine, I love using products that have already been thoughtfully formulated for oral care. And depending on what you're looking for, there's an option for you!
On Guard Natural Whitening Toothpaste is my go-to when I want the benefits of a whitening toothpaste along with the power of the On Guard Protective essential oil blend.
It combines oral-care ingredients like hydroxyapatite, which helps support remineralization and strengthen tooth enamel, and hydrated silica, which helps gently remove surface stains. Peppermint and Wintergreen essential oils provide a fresh, minty boost, while the toothpaste is also blended with the On Guard Protective essential oil blend—Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus and Rosemary—to help clean and freshen the mouth while supporting a healthy oral-care routine. It is fluoride-free and does not contain artificial colors or flavors.
On Guard Mouth Rinse is a great choice when you want to add an essential-oil-infused rinse to your routine. It's alcohol-free and formulated to clean teeth and gums, reduce plaque, and promote a healthy-looking mouth. In addition to the On Guard Protective essential oil blend, natural ingredients like miswak extract help freshen breath, while xylitol helps support healthy, strong teeth. It's free from artificial flavors, making it a super-convenient option for adding the power of essential oils to your daily oral-care routine.
And if you're more of a classic mint-lover,
SuperMint Toothpaste features the SuperMint blend of Peppermint, Japanese Mint, Bergamot Mint and Spearmint essential oils for a deliciously fresh, minty experience. It contains hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring calcium and phosphorus compound that may help support enamel remineralization and strength, while helping teeth feel smoother and potentially reducing sensitivity to hot or cold. It also contains hydrated silica and calcium carbonate to gently polish teeth and help remove surface stains.
And again, it's fluoride-free with no artificial colors or flavors—making it another great addition to a natural oral-care routine.
Whether you're looking for a little whitening, a fresh rinse, extra enamel support or simply a minty-clean feeling, these products make it easy to build a natural oral-care routine without having to create complicated DIY formulas from scratch.
Sometimes the best wellness routine is the one that's simple enough to actually stick with.
DIY ESSENTIAL OIL MOUTH RINSES
Want to make your own essential-oil mouth rinse? It's surprisingly simple—and you can choose your blend based on what you're looking for in your oral-care routine.
Here are a few of my favorites:
🌿For a Fresh, Minty Mouth
If fresh breath and that just-brushed feeling are your priority, try this refreshing mint blend:
Swish gently for 30–90 seconds and spit.
Peppermint and Spearmint provide that familiar fresh, clean-mouth sensation, while Wintergreen adds an extra cool, minty note. This is a great option when you want your mouth to feel refreshed after a meal or snack.
🌶️For a Warm, Cleansing Rinse
Looking for something a little more spicy? Cinnamon Bark and Clove make a powerful pairing:
Swish gently for 30–90 seconds and spit.
Both Cinnamon Bark and Clove have been studied for their antimicrobial properties, making this combination an interesting choice when you're looking to support a clean, healthy oral environment.
🌿For Gentle Gum Support
Myrrh and Clove have a long history in traditional oral care and make a wonderful combination when you're focusing on your gums:
Swish gently for 30–90 seconds and spit.
Myrrh brings its traditional oral-care history and antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, while Clove adds its eugenol-rich, soothing and cleansing properties. Together, they're a great option when your focus is supporting healthy gums and a clean mouth.
A quick note: Essential oils and water don't naturally mix, so the oils will float on the surface rather than evenly dispersing throughout your rinse.
WHEN “GOOD” DENTAL VISITS BECOME THE NORM
I love hearing stories from people who have incorporated natural solutions into their everyday routines.
One of my clients shared this experience back in 2019 after using On Guard toothpaste and mouth rinse for approximately one to two years:
“I wanted to offer up my experience with On Guard toothpaste and mouth rinse. Since I started using them, which is somewhere around 1-2 years ago, my dentist visits have gotten better and better. They are now so good that I literally develop ZERO tartar on my teeth. I used to need a lot of that scraping of my teeth at each cleaning but at last week's visit I had nothing to scrape, which is really surprising to my dentist. This has all led to healthier gums too. What used to be painful visits have now become fairly pleasant.” -Traci M
And here's the part I especially love: she's still using the products today!
I’ll add that I’ve been using these products since August 2016, and my dental checkups have consistently resulted in no cavities and plenty of compliments from my dentist and hygienist! I do think there's something encouraging about finding a routine that makes taking care of yourself easier—and maybe even a little more enjoyable.
TOOTH FAIRY DAY - THINK BEYOND YOUR TEETH
So this August 22nd, when you see a reminder about National Tooth Fairy Day, let it be a reminder of something bigger:
Your mouth is part of your whole body.
Taking care of your teeth and gums isn't just about having a pretty smile. It's one small but meaningful way to support your overall health and wellness.
Brush. Floss. Stay hydrated. Eat nourishing foods. Manage stress. Keep your dental appointments. Pay attention to changes in your mouth.
And if natural solutions are part of your wellness philosophy, explore ways they can complement good dental care.
Because your mouth and your mind may have more to say to each other than you ever realized.
The Tooth Fairy might be looking for teeth… but your whole body is paying attention, too.
xoDanette
Wellness Note: Essential oils are concentrated substances. Never swallow essential oils unless it’s labeled for internal use (with doTERRA it’s super easy to tell as the bottle will have Supplemental Facts). Some oils, like Wintergreen and Clove, require particular caution. Natural oral-care products should complement, not replace, regular brushing, flossing, professional dental care, or medical treatment. If you have gum disease, persistent oral pain, bleeding, sores, or other concerning symptoms, consult your dentist.