28 Jun Are You a Gardener? Grow These Herbs for Healthy Teeth
Did you know that many common garden herbs like mint, sage, and rosemary are good for your teeth? These herbs have antimicrobial properties that fight plaque and cavities, and they also contain antioxidants that fight inflammation and gum disease. If you’re a gardener, here are the best herbs to consider planting for promoting healthy teeth.
Herb Gardening in Arizona
Up here in Prescott, we have a pretty short growing season. However, our high desert climate is a little more favorable to gardening than other parts of Arizona, since the days don’t get as scorchingly hot in the summer.
We may not get a lot of rain, but the dry desert climate means it’s easier to dry and store fresh herbs. And fortunately, there are a lot of sun-loving herbs that are also good for your teeth. Are you growing any of these plants in your garden?
Best Herbs for Healthy Teeth
- Calendula – Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, calendula is a medicinal flower that’s also great for your oral health. Harvest on dry, sunny days by cutting the entire head off at the base of the stem.
- Echinacea – Harvest the petals and the upper leaves for an immune-boosting tea. Leave the flower cone for the bees and for self-seeding.
- Mint – Well known for its ability to freshen breath, mint can grow almost anywhere. It loves the warm summer days and makes a great container plant.
- Parsley – Due to its high chlorophyll content and antibacterial properties, parsley can also freshen your breath. It’s a hardy biennial that likes sunlight and well-drained soil.
- Rosemary – Its antioxidant and antimicrobial traits make rosemary one of the best herbs for dental health. It’s easy to grow in the summer, because it loves hot, arid climates with lots of sunlight. But if you want to grow it as a perennial, you will need to bring it inside during the winter. (Choose a cute planter!)
- Sage – Clinical studies using a sage mouthwash showed that it was an effective way to reduce plaque. Garden/common sage loves sunlight and grows well in containers with well-drained soil.
- Thyme – This perennial is hardy enough to survive the winter—even in zone 7. It likes full sun, so it can make lots of chlorophyll. Just like mint and parsley, it will sweeten your breath.
How to Use Herbs to Promote Good Dental Health
Tip #1: Use them when you’re cooking.
Add fresh herbs and edible flowers to salads, or blend them into herb-forward sauces like pesto or chimichurri. This tabbouleh salad recipe is one of our summertime favorites.
Tip #2: Brew an herbal tea.
Experiment to find your favorite blend of dried herbs. Drink it hot to relax before bed, or chill it for a refreshing summer drink. If you like sweet tea, look for a xylitol or stevia sweetener to use instead of sugar.
Tip #3: Make an herbal mouthwash.
Fight plaque and freshen your breath naturally! This recipe combines calendula and mint with sea salt and dry spices for a mouthwash that you can brew just like a tea. (We recommend using Himalayan pink salt, instead of sea salt, because its high mineral content is good for strengthening your enamel.)
Holistic Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
If you’re looking for a dentist who understands your preference for natural remedies, make an appointment at Prescott Dentistry. As a holistic practice, wellness and prevention are our top priorities. From the materials we use to the treatments we offer, we provide the most natural dental care options available.
Experience the difference for yourself—call 928-445-1660 or send us a message online.
Photo by Nicolas Beuret on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 5/31/25.