Fact Check: Can a mixture of mustard oil, turmeric and rock salt cure swollen gums?

An Instagram post claims that applying the mixture of mustard oil, turmeric and rock salt cures toothache. This claim is Half True.

Claim

An Instagram post titled " Cure your teeth problem", claims that "a mixture of mustard oil, turmeric and rock salt can fix/cure swollen gums."

In the post user dr.nitasha_gupta states that, "If you experience tooth pain and swollen gums, to quickly relieve them, you need to take a little mustard oil, add a bit of turmeric to it and some rock salt. Mix them well, and with the help of your finger, apply them properly on your teeth and gums. Afterwards, spit out the saliva that comes out. You will see that the yellowing of your teeth has gone, your tooth pain has disappeared, and your gums have returned to normal."

The post can be accessed here. 

Fact check

The claim is Half True. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of turmeric and mustard oil may help alleviate minor gingival inflammation, and rock salt could support gum health and aid in oral wound healing. However, this mixture is not a proven treatment to cure severe gingivitis or periodontitis.

Swollen Gums Or Gingivitis and its Causes

The gingiva is a part of the soft tissue lining of the mouth. It surrounds the teeth and provides a seal around them. Unlike the soft tissue linings of the lips and cheeks, most of the gingiva is tightly bound to the underlying bone which helps resist the friction of food passing over them.

Gingivitis is a non-destructive disease that causes inflammation of the gingiva. Most cases of gingivitis occur from a lack of proper oral hygiene, which leads to the accumulation of dental plaque and calculus; however, many other factors can affect the gingiva’s susceptibility to the oral flora.

There are various causes of gingivitis such as - plaque induced gingivitis, Nutritional Gingivitis, Hormonal Gingivitis, and Drug-Induced Gingivitis.

Plaque induced gingivitis is the most common cause of gingivitis. Plaque is a thin film that forms on the tooth surface due to poor oral hygiene. If not regularly removed, it can harden up and form calculus. As plaque harbours a large number of bacteria, inflammation can occur in the gingival tissue.

Nutritional gingivitis may occur due to a deficiency of vitamin C. It has been found that a modern lifestyle with the intake of an increased amount of refined carbohydrates and an increased ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids can promote the inflammatory process.

Hormonal gingivitis occurs during both pregnancy and puberty due to hormonal changes that enhance blood vessel dilation and cause the gums to overreact to even minor plaque buildup, leading to heightened inflammation known as pregnancy or puberty gingivitis.

Various drugs used for systemic conditions can cause gingivitis as a side effect such as phenytoin (used for epileptic seizures), calcium channel blockers (used for angina, and high blood pressure), anticoagulants, and fibrinolytic agents, oral contraceptive agents, protease inhibitors, vitamin A and analogues which is called drug-induced gingivitis.

Benefits of Mustard oil, Turmeric and Rock Salt

Mustard oil is a commonly consumed cooking oil, especially in the northeastern, northern, and eastern parts of India. It contains high levels of MUFA (Mono-Unsaturated Fatty Acid) and PUFA (Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acid), which are beneficial for health, and SFA (Saturated Fatty Acid) in safe, non-toxic amounts. Mustard oil is associated with lowering the risk of cancer, maintaining body temperature, offering antibacterial and antifungal properties, may help reducing cholesterol and enhancing the membrane structure of red blood cells (RBCs). It also helps manage diabetes-related issues, has antiallergic effects, and protects against irritation in the eyes and throat.

Turmeric, also referred to as Haldi, is extracted from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. and is widely used as a flavorful orange-yellow spice and has curcumin as the key active ingredient. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been extensively used to manage a range of health issues, including respiratory problems like asthma, bronchial hyperactivity, and allergies, along with liver conditions, loss of appetite, rheumatism, diabetic wounds, and common ailments such as runny nose, cough, and sinusitis.

Rock salt, also called halite, consists of 95-98% sodium chloride, along with 2-4% polyhalite (which includes potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen), 0.01% fluoride, 0.01% iodine, and small amounts of various trace minerals. The reddish colour comes from the elements found in polyhalite and these trace minerals. It can serve as a healthier alternative to regular salt, as it is rich in minerals and is not associated with high blood pressure or swelling in the body or eyes. Rock salt offers several health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting appetite, reducing gas, and alleviating heartburn. It also plays a key role in replenishing electrolytes, maintaining pH balance, stabilizing blood pressure, supporting weight loss, and helping manage conditions like rheumatic pain, herpes, inflammation from insect bites, and muscle cramps. Additionally, it strengthens the immune system and provides various other benefits.

Can a mixture of mustard oil, turmeric and rock salt cure swollen gums?

There are certain dental health benefits provided by Mustard oil, turmeric and rock salt which include soothing gums, promoting oral wound healing, and managing gingivitis to a certain extent but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that these ingredients can cure swollen gums.

A study published in the journal Cureus has found that mustard seed extract has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity against a variety of oral microorganisms.

Another study published in the PloS One concluded that short-term rinsing with NaCl enhances hGFs(human gingival fibroblasts) migration, and boosts the expression of extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal proteins, thereby promoting healthy gums and oral wound healing.

The combination of mustard oil and salt has long been used in Indian households to address gum problems and toothaches. A review article in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that gingivitis and periodontitis may be treated by applying a paste made from 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of mustard oil to the teeth and gums twice a day for positive results. Additionally, turmeric mouthwash has been found effective in controlling plaque. 

Dr. Prinita Tirkey, MDS Periodontist, Rajmata Smt. Devendra Kumari Singh Deo Govt Medical College and Hospital Ambikapur, Surguja, Chhattisgarh, said "Turmeric, mustard oil, and rock salt have been traditionally used in oral care due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. While these ingredients may offer temporary relief from mild gingival inflammation, they are not proven to treat more serious conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. These gum diseases often have underlying causes, such as plaque buildup or bacterial infections, which need to be addressed through professional dental care. Ignoring these root causes and relying solely on home remedies can lead to the progression of the disease and more severe oral health issues."

Dr. Bhumika Gupta Dani, Dental Surgeon, Dani Dental Clinic, Kawardha, Chhattisgarh added, "Although traditional remedies like turmeric, mustard oil, and rock salt may offer some relief from minor gum inflammation, they are not capable of fully curing gingivitis. Gum-related conditions are frequently caused by factors like plaque accumulation, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, bacterial infections, and other contributing factors. Addressing these root causes is essential for effectively treating gingival or periodontal diseases."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

While mustard oil, turmeric, and rock salt have been traditionally used for oral care and can provide some benefits like soothing gums and supporting gum health, they should not be considered as a  standalone cure for conditions like swollen gums, gingivitis, or periodontitis. These natural remedies may offer temporary relief, but for lasting and effective treatment, consult a dentist who will address the underlying gingival issue. Hence, the claim that a mixture of mustard oil, turmeric and rock salt cures swollen gums is Half True.