It has a wonderful
effect on your teeth and on the blood vessels in your head. In fact, all
the tiny vessels below your teeth that run to your heart benefit from
cinnamon's vessel-dilating ability. Use the powder. Use it without your
daily toothpaste. Mix it with a little baking soda, and you've got a
nice antibiotic abrasive to clean your teeth.
From Healthline.
HOW CINNAMON FIGHTS
INFECTIONS
Cinnamon’s antimicrobial
properties may help fight off pathogens like bacteria and fungi (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).
Because many infections of
the mouth are caused by bacteria and fungi, cinnamon has been studied as a
potential treatment for dental ailments.
Some of the main beneficial compounds in cinnamon are (6Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source):
- cinnamaldehyde
- cinnamic acid
- cinnamyl acetate
- cinnamyl alcohol
- coumarin
- eugenol
- linalool
- phenol
- beta-caryophyllene
ANTIBACTERIAL
EFFECTS
Cinnamaldehyde appears to be
among the most powerful compounds in cinnamon. Additionally, the spice contains
other healthy plant compounds known as polyphenols (12Trusted Source).
These compounds fight
bacteria by damaging their cell walls and preventing cell division, thereby
inhibiting bacterial growth (8Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).
Multiple studies have found
cinnamon bark oil to be effective against the Streptococcus mutans bacterium
— a common cause of cavities, tooth decay, and enamel erosion — in children
with cavities (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source, 16, 17Trusted Source).
ANTIFUNGAL
EFFECTS
Cinnamon and cinnamaldehyde
also appear to be effective against fungi, including strains of the Candida genus
of yeasts (18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).
Candida strains
are a common cause of yeast infections like oral thrush in the mouth and
throat. It’s normal to have some Candida on your skin and in your
body, but overgrowth and infections can occur in people with compromised immune
systems.
One test-tube study found
that cinnamon oil fought Candida albicans directly, while
cinnamon extracts displayed anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, both the oil and
extracts helped prevent the growth of biofilm and strengthened the mouth’s
protective barrier (22Trusted Source).
Another test-tube study also
found cinnamon oil prevented Candida biofilm (23Trusted Source).
Biofilm is a slimy layer of
fungi or bacteria that often forms on teeth and in the mouth. Although biofilm
is common, it can progress into plaque and gum disease if it’s not
regularly brushed and flossed away.
Yet, even though cinnamon may
help fight fungi strains and prevent the prevalence of biofilm, human studies
are needed.
