Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Dentistry Series: Herbal Therapy
Integrative healthcare seems to be enjoying a resurgence these days. Since many of these concepts resonate with me I've decided to explore them a little more. You may not have known that herbal medicine was all the rage even in Western medicine until the discovery of Penicillin and many “cure-all” drugs. During WWII, the ability to ship herbs across the world was cut off, and as synthetics were on the rise, herbology started to lose popularity. But then everything comes full circle! So now natural remedies and personalized treatment modalities are pretty stylish.
As such, Ayervedic medicine is strongly grounded in herbal and plant-based remedies. Perhaps you may have heard of oil pulling recently? Last year it seemed like everyone in the dental community was humming about it, and it actually is an Ayurvedic practice. In case you weren’t in the “know”, oil pulling consists of swishing oil in your mouth for up to 20 minutes. Most commonly recommended oils are sesame seed, sunflower, coconut, or olive oil (yummy). Don’t worry, you get to spit it out afterwards. This treatment is supposed to naturally treat periodontal disease and bad breath. Some people even say it helps whiten teeth. Speaking of teeth whitening, don’t forget to check out some charcoal toothpaste if you want to go au natural! It’s a real thing, at least in Hong Kong last year. Okay, I digress… Please keep in mind oil pulling is not a replacement for brushing and flossing, but can be added into your oral health regimen.

Many Ayurvedic techniques may combine several herbs, while the westernized version of herbal medicine is usually restricted to one herb in a small dose. These treatments have been additionally shown to be great for allergies, sleep disorders, digestive problems, depression, and even cancer. The most common herbal products are garlic, ginseng, and Ginkgo biloba. A study in Canada looked at herbal products to address cardiovascular disease – these comprised garlic, cayenne pepper, and ginseng.
Anyway, more about teeth! In addition to oil pulling, other herbal products have been discussed in the use of treatment for periodontal disease. Dr. Sastravaha and colleagues at Mahidol University showed that the use herbal remedies to promote tissue healing following scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures for adult patients with periodontitis. SRP is an in-depth dental cleaning for those who have very deep dental pockets and plaque build-up. Their study looked at Centella asiatic and Punica granatum extracts. Patients treated with these extracts had significant reduction in pocket depth and attachment levels, and slight improvement in bleeding and plaque scores compared to baseline/pre-treatment. In case you’re confused, that is all good news.
Here's a selection of herbs and their benefits for your oral health, alphabetized for your enjoyment:
Aloe Vera
Soothing agent to treat mouth
ulcers, such as apthous ulcers
and lichen planus. Aloe vera juice
and gel can be utilized (but don't
if you're pregnant!).
Anise (Sweet Fennel)
Anti-inflammatory effect, soothe
gums and get rid of bad breath.
Burdock
Treat TMD muscle tension and
headaches.
Cayenne
Oil of cayanne can be directly
placed on an aching tooth for
relief.
Chamomile
Relaxant as well as can be used
as a mouthwash to soothe gums.
Chickweed
Use as a mouthwash to soothe
mouth tissue irritation associated
with oral cancer, as well as
canker sores.
Cloves
Use for bad breath as well as
oil form to alleviate dental pain.
Dandelion
Treat dental abscesses and
is a blood purifier.
Echinacea
Treat dental abscesses and
boost immune system.
Flouride
Protect teeth from dental decay.
Green Tea
Antioxidants may inhibit growth
of oral cancer cells. This effect
is seen if the mouth's mucous
lining is exposed to 4-6 cups of
green tea a day.
Honey
Antibacterial effect; don't give to babies and has lots of sugar!
Kelp
Nutrient rich, promote healthy
gums and bone.
Licorice
Promote strong immune system,
anti-inflammatory agent, inhibit
plaque growth and kills bacteria
associated with cavities.
Lysine Products
Protect you from cold sores
(herpes virus). Avoid foods with
arginine since it is used for the
virus to replicate. So enjoy brewers
yeast, dairy, wheat germ, and fish
but avoid nuts and chocolate (I'm
sorry).
Sanicle
Powerful antioxidant, use as
ointment to heal wounds.
Sarsaparilla
Drink tea to protect against
radiation as well as for relaxation
purposes.
Tea Tree Oil
Treatment for cold sores, gum
inflammation, or use as a
mouthwash to soothe inflammation.
Violet
Prepare a mouthwash to find
relief from sores caused by oral
cancer, as well as canker sores or
cold sores.
Zinc
Treat sore throat and reduce
cold sores if applied topically,
can also assist with taste
alterations.
It is also important to mention the potential toxicity of herbal remedies or in combination with medications. What I mean by this is that certain herbs can decrease the effectiveness of a prescription drug or medication by decreasing its availability to your body. For this reason, it’s always important to mention all herbal remedies you may be taking (or plan to take) before being prescribed any drugs to check for a potential interaction. A very commonly noted interaction is St. John’s Wort, which decreases the effectiveness of many prescription medications. Similarly, anyone taking benzodiazepines or antipsychotic medications should not use kava products. Those who that are taking blood thinner medications (such as aspirin or warfarin) should not use Ginkgo biloba since this can increase your risk for bleeding.
Here's a chart adapted from Dr. Little from University of Minnesota, which mentions common herbs and safety concerns:

Though there are some benefits to alternative treatments as we can see, there are also some risks associated with these therapies. Be sure to do your own research and consult with your doctor and dentist.