Does Cinnamon Help with Plaque and Gingivitis? The Oral Health Benefits of Cinnamaldehyde

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that cinnamon essential oil possesses powerful antibacterial properties, inhibiting the growth of oral microorganisms that cause dental plaque. While cinnamon is a beloved spice, its medicinal compounds, particularly cinnamaldehyde, are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance dental hygiene and combat oral pathogens. This natural ingredient offers a promising alternative or supplement to traditional oral care products.

Quick Summary

Scientific research indicates that cinnamon, especially its essential oil and extracts containing cinnamaldehyde, can significantly inhibit the bacteria and biofilms that contribute to dental plaque and gingivitis. Studies have found cinnamon to be comparable in efficacy to conventional mouthwashes like chlorhexidine, but without the harsh side effects. It functions as a potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, actively reducing bacterial growth and soothing inflamed gum tissue.

Key Points

Inhibits Oral Bacteria: Cinnamon oil and extracts are effective against Streptococcus mutans, a primary cause of dental caries and plaque formation.
Disrupts Biofilm: The active compounds in cinnamon exhibit powerful antibiofilm effects, breaking down the sticky matrix of dental plaque.
Fights Gingivitis: Cinnamon's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce gum swelling, bleeding, and inflammation associated with gingivitis.
Offers Natural Alternative: Studies suggest that cinnamon-based mouthwashes can be as effective as conventional chemical rinses for reducing plaque and gingivitis, but with fewer side effects.
Combats Fungal Growth: Cinnamon is effective against fungi like Candida albicans, which can cause oral thrush.
Freshens Breath: By targeting the bacteria responsible for bad breath, chewing cinnamon or using a cinnamon rinse can act as a natural mouth freshener.
Enhances Oral Hygiene: Incorporating cinnamon in various forms, such as rinses, chewing sticks, or infused oils, can complement a regular brushing and flossing routine.

Understanding Dental Plaque and Biofilm

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless-to-pale-yellow biofilm that is constantly forming on your teeth. It is a complex microbial community consisting of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms embedded in a matrix of saliva, food particles, and bacterial byproducts. If not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, this biofilm hardens into calculus or tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that lead to tooth decay and release toxins that cause inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss.

The Science Behind Cinnamon's Efficacy

At the heart of cinnamon's oral health benefits is cinnamaldehyde, the primary compound responsible for its distinct aroma and powerful antimicrobial effects. Research has explored how this compound and other constituents in cinnamon can disrupt oral pathogens.

Inhibiting Oral Microorganisms

Targeting Streptococcus mutans: Multiple studies have found cinnamon bark oil and extracts to be effective against Streptococcus mutans, a major bacterium contributing to dental caries and plaque formation. The antibacterial action damages the bacteria's cell walls, preventing their proliferation.
Combating Periodontal Pathogens: Cinnamon extracts and oils also exhibit strong antibiofilm effects against bacteria responsible for periodontal diseases. In in vitro studies, cinnamon extract significantly inhibited the biofilms of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, two primary pathogens linked to periodontitis.
Controlling Fungal Overgrowth: Cinnamon's antifungal properties are effective against Candida albicans, a yeast that can cause oral thrush. Test-tube studies show that cinnamon can inhibit Candida biofilms and strengthen the mouth's protective barrier.

Anti-inflammatory and Healing Properties

Beyond its antimicrobial capabilities, cinnamon contains flavonoids and polyphenols that contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. In cases of gingivitis, where gum tissue becomes swollen, inflamed, and may bleed, these compounds can help soothe the tissues and reduce inflammation. Some studies have also shown that cinnamon can aid in tissue regeneration, potentially assisting in the healing of gum tissues.

Comparison: Cinnamon vs. Conventional Mouthwash

Numerous studies have compared the efficacy of cinnamon-based oral rinses with the gold standard chemical mouthwash, chlorhexidine. The results often highlight cinnamon's potential as a gentler, natural alternative.


Feature	Cinnamon Extract Mouthwash	Chlorhexidine Mouthwash	Potential Side Effects	Application	Cost-effectiveness
Plaque Reduction	Clinically significant reduction in plaque scores.	Clinically significant reduction in plaque scores, sometimes slightly more effective.	No reports of significant enamel staining or taste alteration.	Suitable for daily, long-term use.	Can be cost-effective to produce homemade rinses.
Gingivitis Reduction	Effective in reducing gingival inflammation.	Highly effective in reducing gingivitis.	Long-term use can cause tooth staining and altered taste sensation.	Often limited to short-term use due to side effects.	Higher cost for commercial products compared to homemade options.
Antibacterial Spectrum	Broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity.	Broad-spectrum, but bacteria can develop resistance over time.	Can disrupt the balance of healthy oral microbiota with prolonged use.	Not ideal for continuous use due to potential bacterial resistance.	Varies, but often requires prescription or higher cost for specialized products.
Natural Composition	Derived from natural cinnamon bark.	Synthetic chemical composition.	Gentle on soft tissues; allergic reactions are rare but possible.	Can be incorporated into various natural oral care products.	May require purchasing organic or high-quality cinnamon ingredients.

How to Incorporate Cinnamon for Oral Hygiene

While consulting a dentist is crucial for any serious dental issues, several simple, natural ways to incorporate cinnamon into your daily routine can support better oral health.

Cinnamon Mouth Rinse: Create a homemade, alcohol-free mouthwash by boiling a stick of cinnamon in water for 10-15 minutes. Let it cool, strain the liquid, and use it as a refreshing, antimicrobial rinse after brushing.
Cinnamon and Baking Soda Tooth Powder: Mix a small amount of cinnamon powder with baking soda and a carrier oil like coconut oil to create a simple tooth powder. The baking soda helps clean, while cinnamon provides antibacterial benefits.
Chewing Cinnamon Sticks: Gently chewing on a small piece of a cinnamon stick after a meal can naturally freshen breath and stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize bacterial acids.
Cinnamon-infused Oil Pulling: Add a drop or two of food-grade cinnamon essential oil to coconut oil for an enhanced oil-pulling experience. The antimicrobial properties of both ingredients work together to help reduce bacteria.
Choosing Cinnamon-based Products: Look for commercially available toothpaste and mouthwashes that list cinnamon extract or oil as an active ingredient, though these should still contain fluoride for cavity protection.

Conclusion

Emerging scientific evidence strongly supports the notion that cinnamon, through its active compounds like cinnamaldehyde, does help with plaque and gingivitis. Its potent antibacterial and antibiofilm properties enable it to combat the very microorganisms that form dental plaque and cause gum inflammation. While it is a valuable natural tool for enhancing oral hygiene, it is not a replacement for regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental check-ups. The gentle and effective nature of cinnamon-based products and remedies makes them a promising alternative to conventional, chemical-based options, especially for those seeking a more natural approach to dental care. As always, a holistic approach combining proper mechanical cleaning with the support of natural antimicrobial agents like cinnamon offers the best path to optimal oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde and other compounds that possess strong antimicrobial properties. These compounds can damage the cell walls of harmful bacteria, like Streptococcus mutans, and inhibit their growth, preventing them from forming plaque and causing decay.

Yes, cinnamon has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and reduce the inflammation of the gums associated with gingivitis. Its antimicrobial effects also address the bacterial cause of the condition.

No, while cinnamon offers excellent supplementary benefits, it should not replace regular fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is essential for preventing cavities and remineralizing tooth enamel, a benefit that cinnamon alone does not provide.

Effective methods include using a homemade cinnamon mouth rinse, adding a few drops of food-grade cinnamon oil to an oil-pulling routine with coconut oil, or chewing on a cinnamon stick for a quick antimicrobial boost. You can also find commercial oral care products containing cinnamon extract.

When used in small, diluted amounts, cinnamon is generally safe. However, excessive use of cinnamon or undiluted essential oil can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Always test for sensitivity and use food-grade oils cautiously.

Several studies suggest that cinnamon mouthwash can be comparable to chlorhexidine in reducing plaque and gingivitis. However, cinnamon avoids the unpleasant side effects of long-term chlorhexidine use, such as tooth staining and altered taste.

Yes, cinnamon's antibacterial action targets the bacteria that cause bad breath (halitosis). Chewing a cinnamon stick or rinsing with a cinnamon mouthwash can neutralize these odor-causing germs and provide a fresh, natural scent.