Herbal Tooth Care: Natural Solutions for Dental Health & Hygiene
No doubt you've heard the old saying, "you only have one set of teeth"--once your adult teeth come in, you are stuck with them for life. While this truth seems obvious enough, that isn't always reflected in the way we manage our oral health. Most of us are guilty of skipping out on our daily dental hygiene routine from time to time, and when we do, we often run into issues like cavities, plaque buildup, and bad breath. We all know that healthy habits pay off, and many of us would like to learn more about what we can do to protect our teeth, gums, and oral tissues. You may even find yourself curious about natural alternatives to synthetic toothpastes and mouthwash. Read on for our favorite dental care tips!
Herbs for Dental Care
Licorice Root
Licorice has been shown to help prevent plaque buildup on teeth, and its natural anti-bacterial compounds can help fight the bacterial strains associated with bad breath, tooth decay, and gum diseases like gingivitis. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of licorice can even help soothe swollen and sensitive gums. The dental benefits of this herb have not gone unnoticed, and licorice extract is an increasingly common ingredient in natural toothpastes and mouthwash.
Plantain Leaf
Plantain leaf contains a compound called aucubin, a powerful anti-inflammatory that can soothe swollen and irritated gums. The herb also acts as an antibacterial, working to prevent plaque buildup and cavities. In addition, the herb is a mild analgesic, meaning it can help provide temporary relief for toothaches, and its natural tissue-healing properties can assist tissues in recovering from canker sores or other minor oral injuries.
Alfalfa Leaf
This nutritional powerhouse contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K and helps provide your body with the nutrients it needs to help support healthy tooth enamel and gum tissue. Along with a soothing anti-inflammatory effect, alfalfa provides a healthy dose of chlorophyll, which can help inhibit bacteria, freshen breath, and balance pH levels in the mouth.
Turmeric Root
Like many of the herbs on this list, turmeric is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, meaning that it can help prevent tooth decay and prevent gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. You may be surprised to hear that, despite its bright yellow color, many have used turmeric to help whiten their teeth naturally. As a gentle abrasive, turmeric powder can be used to carefully scrub away surface stains such as those left behind by coffee or tea. Turmeric also supports healing of mouth sores and help temporarily address tooth pain.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera's remarkable ability to promote wound healing make it an ideal for addressing canker sores or mouth ulcers, and the herb's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help soothe pain and swelling. In addition, aloe has antibacterial properties and can help prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and bad breath. Aloe vera juice can be mixed with water and used as a mouthwash, or aloe gel can be applied directly to bleeding gums or sore areas.
Red Clover Blossoms
The pH-balancing effect of red clover helps to detoxify and freshen the mouth, encouraging an oral environment less friendly to disease-causing bacteria. The herb takes it a step further, supporting the body with natural antimicrobial compounds, and can help to reduce pain and swelling in the gums. Red clover is also rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, providing your teeth with the minerals needed to create strong enamel.
Moringa Leaf
Moringa's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects work together to promote healthy mouth, teeth, and gums. These leaves are rich in the minerals needed to build strong enamel, your teeth's line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria, and their soothing properties may help reduce the effects of gingivitis and periodontitis. Due to its wound-healing properties, many people have also found moringa to be a beneficial solution for mouth ulcers or canker sores.
Prickly Ash Bark
Prickly ash, long known as the "toothache tree," contains compounds that promote a feeling of numbness. Many find that, by chewing a small piece of bark, or applying a small amount of extract directly to the painful area, they find significant relief from minor toothaches. But that's not the only benefit of prickly ash--the tree is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, and can even stimulate saliva production and promote blood circulation, contributing to overall oral health.
White Oak Bark
White oak bark is rich in astringents, which work to tighten tissues and reduce swelling and inflammation in the gums or around mouth sores. By calming irritation in the gums, white oak may even help reduce tooth sensitivity. It is also antibacterial, helping to prevent cavities and combat bad breath.
Bayberry
Bayberry root is another popular choice for dental care due to its astringent/anti-inflammatory properties, its healing compounds, and its ability to fight bacteria that causes bad breath and plaque buildup. Though used less commonly, the fruit (berries) of this plant are also known for their antimicrobial and ant-inflammatory effects.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Red raspberry contains high levels of vitamin C, a nutrient crucial to good gum health, and its astringent properties help reduce levels of plaque and tartar buildup. The herb is also rich in antioxidants, reducing inflammation and contributing to overall oral health, and its antimicrobial properties help prevent bad breath and infections.
Sumac Berry
Like turmeric, sumac berry powder is often used to help brush away surface stains, creating a natural whitening effect on your teeth. Its mild abrasiveness also helps clean teeth and remove hard tartar buildup and plaque, and the berries contain natural antibacterial compounds that can freshen breath and prevent cavities. Sumac berry is anti-inflammatory and can help promote the healing of mouth sores and soothe irritated gums.
Nettle Leaf
When applied to the teeth and mouth, antibacterial compounds in nettle can reduce the amount of harmful bacteria, preventing cavities, reducing plaque, and neutralizing unpleasant-smelling breath. The herb is also anti-inflammatory, and high levels of calcium, magnesium, and silica help nourish and strengthen bones, including your teeth.
Comfrey Leaf
Comfrey leaf is known for its ability to stimulate tissue regeneration, making it an excellent natural solution for wounds, sores, and ulcers in the mouth. Additional compounds reduce inflammation and can help provide relief for ailments such as periodontitis and gingivitis, and the high content of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and silica can reduce tooth sensitivity by promoting strong, healthy teeth and thick enamel.
Other Natural Solutions
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling, the act of swishing oil in the mouth to remove toxins and clean the teeth, has roots in Ayurveda and has been practiced for thousands of years. The oil rinse helps to remove bacteria, reduce gum inflammation, whiten teeth, and strengthen enamel. Typically, coconut or sesame oil is used, and the oil is spit out afterwords before rinsing with warm saltwater.
- Coconut Oil
- Fractionated (Liquid) Coconut Oil
- Dr. Tung's Oil Pulling Concentrate
- Desert Essence® Coconut Oil Pulling Rinse
Green Tea
Studies suggest that drinking unsweetened green tea can help to prevent cavities, reduce oral bacteria levels, and protect against tooth sensitivity. Green tea contains a wealth of anti-inflammatory compounds, catechins, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to optimal oral health. Green tea has also been shown to neutralize sulfur compounds, leading to fresher-smelling breath.
Xylitol
Xylitol, a natural "sugar alcohol" found in birch trees, is often used as a sugar-free sweetener in foods, beverages, toothpastes, and sugar-free gum. Unlike real sugar, xylitol cannot be fermented by bacteria, which results in a less acidic mouth environment and prevents weakening of enamel. Sugar feeds bacteria, but xylitol doesn't contribute to bacterial growth. In this way, xylitol can help reduce plaque buildup, freshen breath, and prevent gum disease or infection.
Chewing sugar-free gum is an excellent way to manually clean teeth while taking advantage of the benefits of xylitol. Xylitol lozenges or mouth rinses are also beneficial.
Apples
Formulas & Products for Dental Care
Dr. Christopher's Herbal Tooth & Gum Powder
Dr. Christopher's Complete Tissue & Bone Formula
Dr. Christopher's X-Ceptic Formula
Dr. Christopher's Kid-E-Col Formula
Anima Mundi® Tooth Polish
Dr. Tung's Herbal Tooth Powder Tabs
Dr. Tung's Oil Pulling Concentrate
Essential Oxygen® BR Organic Toothpaste
Redmond® Earthpaste
Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste
Desert Essence® Fluoride Free Toothpaste
Desert Essence® Coconut Oil Mouthwash
Desert Essence® Coconut Oil Pulling Rinse
Conclusion
We hope that this blog post has ignited in you a renewed vigor to take great care of your teeth, gums, and overall oral hygiene! For additional questions on how to incorporate these herbs or products into your dental routine, feel free to reach out to our herbalist at (801)489-4500 on Mon-Thurs from 11:00AM-1:00PM MST. Remember that for serious concerns such as infections or major tooth pain, we recommend consulting with a medical or dental professional.
Happy brushing!
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About the Writer Emori Brown has worked for Dr. Christopher’s Herb Shop since 2018. In addition to writing blog posts and newsletters, Emori cashiers and works in the shipping department. She is passionate about providing people with the tools for improving their health and is excited to share knowledge surrounding the formulas and services we have here at the Herb Shop. |
