Cardamom's Uses for Oral Care: Natural Remedies for a Healthier Mouth

Introduction

Cardamom, besides being everyone essential addition to their favourite chai, is a spice known for its remedial effects on overall health. Cardamom contains phytochemicals that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which enable cardamom benefits for teeth and your overall health. In this article we will walk through the effects cardamom has, in various forms, on our oral health.

The Benefits of Cardamom for Oral Health

No one can put an exact date on when the cardamom benefits for teeth were discovered however, what we can say for sure is that they've been known for a while and have been used along with mint and other such ingredients for a long time. Below are the benefits of cardamom for oral health.

1. Fights bad breath- Cardamom has antibacterial properties which help remove bacteria from your mouth and add freshness to your breath. Eating a piece of cardamom after a meal removes any bad breath.
2. Prevents Cavities- Chewing cardamom regulates saliva production in your mouth which keeps your mouth moisturised helping in reduced cavity formation.
3. Fight Oral Bacteria- Cardamom has antibacterial properties which remove bacteria and prevent you from getting gum diseases, cavities and bad breath. 
4. Saliva flow- You can chew a piece of cardamom after every meal to stimulate saliva flowing in your mouth, which helps minimise the chances of plaque happening and prevent dry mouth.

How Can Cardamom Help Prevent Oral Infections?

Cardamom has medicinal properties for teeth, we know that now. How does it do that exactly? Let's see that;

1. Antimicrobial- Cardamom has antimicrobial properties and contains cineole that kills oral bacteria residing in your mouth.
2. Anti-inflammatory- Cardamom works well for teeth due to its anti-inflammatory properties this helps reduce any swelling and gum pain easily.
3. pH Balance- Cardamom balances your mouth's pH level, preventing gum diseases and cavities.
4. Saliva Production- Simply chewing cardamom can increase saliva flow. Saliva prevents your mouth from getting dry.
5. Mouth Freshener- Cardamom also acts as a natural mouth freshener.
   

Ways to Use Cardamom for Oral Care

LIke we mentioned earlier, cardamom has been used as a remedy for centuries now, and that too in various forms. From raw cardamom, which is good for teeth, to cardamom toothpaste. Here is how you can use cardamom in different ways to improve your oral health-

1. Cardamom for chewing- Chewing cardamom seeds can boost saliva production in your mouth which helps fight tooth decay. It also freshens up your mouth.
2. Cardamom for mouthwash- You can easily use cardamom as a mouthwash. Boil some cardamom pods in water, swirl in your mouth, rinse and then repeat.
3. Cardamom essential oil- To get relief from any infected areas in your mouth, you can put some cardamom essential oil and use it as a mouthwash.
4. Cardamom tea- Cardamom tea is also a commonly liked way of consuming cardamom. While the taste may be great the health benefits may get dulled due to the mixing.
5. Cardamom toothpaste- You can include cardamom toothpaste in your daily life to help you. However, it may not be the hero ingredient in most toothpastes. You will have to look at the list of ingredients and spot it.

Incorporating Cardamom into Your Daily Oral Care Routine

As we've seen, cardamom impacts your oral health positively in multiple ways. Incorporating cardamom into a daily routine can keep many oral issues at bay.

• Chewing cardamom pods after every meal helps you get rid of bad breath and cavities.
• Brushing with toothpaste that contains cardamom will help you fight bacteria, get rid of bad breath and prevent cavities. 
• You can also use cardamom powder for brushing your teeth. It will help prevent cavities.
• You can drink cardamom tea to give you relief and comfort in any painful or inflamed areas in your mouth.
• You can also add cardamom powder to your food to enhance the taste and keep up with proper oral care.
  

Conclusion

A study on cardamom for dental health found that cardamom has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which fight five bacteria that are more likely to cause dental cavities. However, consult with your dentist before using it regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

 1. Can you brush your teeth with cardamom?

Answer- Yes, you can brush your teeth with cardamom toothpaste or powder. Cardamom teeth are less prone to dental cavities.

 2. What are the benefits of herbal cardamom toothpaste?

Answer- Cardamom toothpaste benefits your oral care by fighting bacteria, getting rid of bad breath and preventing cavities. Cardamom’s benefits also include preventing any tooth pain and inflammation in the mouth.

 3. What spices to use in toothpaste?

Answer- The most effective spices to use are ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, clove and turmeric due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.