Herbs for Gum Health

Herbal remedies have a long history of use in gum health. In many cultures, people used twigs from plants and trees high in anti-microbial properties as toothpicks for massaging gum and flossing teeth. Effectively, they'd used nature's wide selection of herbs to protect and prevent dental problems. These time-tested remedies may have lost their place in modern-day dentistry but using herbal remedies have benefits: they are relatively inexpensive compared with costly, painful dental procedures, and produce no adverse side effects.

Here are some effective herbs:

1. Neem extracts

• In India, the neem tree is known as the "village pharmacy," for obvious reasons --- all parts of the tree serve medicinal purposes from skin care to oral hygiene with its potent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Dental products with neem extracts are effective in destroying cavity-causing bacteria, preventing tartar and plaque buildup and enhancing overall gum health.

2. Cloves

• Cloves, the dried unopened flowers of the clove tree, contain eugenol which acts as a mild anesthetic and anti-bacterial agent. Eugenol extract is used for root canal therapy, temporary fillings and general gum pain. Clove oil helps with toothaches and in maintaining gum health. Look for clove active ingredients in toothpaste, mouthwash and chewing gum.

  Use the combined natural oils of eucalyptus, clove and spearmint (all good cleansing agents) for destroying harmful bacteria buildup in the mouth, particularly in the pockets around the gums.

3. Bee Propolis

• Bee propolis has its roots in plants elements. Bees make this plant resin for use as a sealant for their hives. It boosts strong antimicrobial effects on all kinds of bacteria, including bacteria found in the mouth. According to Propeller.com, studies reveal that bee propolis can reduce cavities and fight gingivitis, periodontitis, plaque buildup and bad breath.

4. Tanins in Tea

• Tea tannin, the pigment that gives tea its color and flavor, is also responsible for keeping bad bacteria out of the mouth, which promotes gum health. According to the American Holistic Health Association, several studies have found that tea tannins can prevent two major bacteria responsible for tooth decay from collecting on the teeth: Streptococeus mutans and S. sobrinus.

5. Other Herbal Tanins

• Besides tannins in tea, consider krameria, which contains 40% tanins. The powder form can be combined with myrrh to treat bleeding and spongy gums. It is commonly used as a gargle for gum health.

  Another powerful gum protector is oak galls, also known as oak apples, with 50% tanins. It serves as an astringent to tighten tissue and strengthens blood vessels, making it effective in treating bleeding gums.

6. Tea-Tree Oil

• Native to Australia, tea-tree oil can significantly improve gum health by reducing gum bleeding and gingivitis. Look for tea-tree oil in toothpaste and mouthwash.