When to Use Coconut Oil vs Essential Oils for Oral Health

Cold sores are small, painful blisters, usually on or around the lips, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They are very common and can affect anyone. There is no cure, and the most reliable options for managing an outbreak come from your doctor or pharmacist. Many people are also curious about natural oils, especially coconut oil and essential oils. Here’s what to know about each, and what they can and can’t do.

Coconut Oil vs. Essential Oils: What’s the Difference?

Coconut oil is a plant fat pressed from the meat of mature coconuts. It is semi-solid at room temperature and is used in cooking, skincare and oral care. It is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, including lauric acid, which researchers have studied in the lab for its antimicrobial properties. Those lab results have not been shown to treat cold sores in people.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, such as peppermint, tea tree or eucalyptus. Because they are so concentrated, they are always diluted in a carrier oil, like coconut oil, before they touch skin or gums.

Essential Oils in Oral Care

Essential oils such as peppermint are common in toothpastes and mouthwashes, where they help freshen breath and give a clean feeling. Researchers continue to study their role in everyday oral hygiene.

A Note on Essential Oils and Cold Sores

You may see tea tree, peppermint, lemon balm or other essential oils suggested for cold sores. Some have been studied in the lab, but there isn’t strong evidence that they treat cold sores in people. If you choose to try one, be careful:

• Never apply essential oils undiluted. Always mix a drop with a carrier oil first.
• Do a small patch test, since essential oils can irritate skin, lips and gums.
• Don’t swallow essential oils.
• Check with your doctor first if you’re pregnant, nursing, or using them on a child.

Coconut Oil and Your Lips

Coconut oil is a popular natural moisturizer, and many people use it to keep their lips soft and less chapped. It isn’t a treatment for cold sores. If you do apply anything near a cold sore:

• Use a clean cotton swab, and wash your hands before and after.
• Don’t share lip balms, towels, cups or utensils during an outbreak, since the virus spreads through close contact.
• Use a separate jar or tube, so you don’t spread the virus back into your everyday products.

When to See a Doctor

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if your cold sores come back often, are very painful or widespread, don’t heal within about two weeks, appear near your eyes, or if you have a weakened immune system. They can recommend treatments that are proven to shorten outbreaks.

Everyday Oral Care

A consistent daily routine of brushing, flossing and cleaning your tongue keeps your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Many people also add oil pulling, like our Brilliant Black Oil Pulling, to their morning routine. Oil pulling is not a treatment for cold sores. If you have an active cold sore, it’s fine to pause your routine until it heals, and to use a fresh toothbrush afterward.