Many different herbs are useful for the teeth and gums. The best herbs, however, are those that kill or otherwise inhibit the harmful bacteria in your mouth that cause plaque to form on your teeth and lead to the development of gum diseases. Plaque formation and buildup can lead to tooth decay, and the bacteria can cause gingivitis or periodontal disease, an infection of the gums. To prevent or treat these dental problems, you can use helpful herbs in the form of mouthwashes or toothpastes.
Green Tea
Green tea may help to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. Green tea contains compounds that could help to suppress harmful bacteria in the mouth that are responsible for plaque formation, leading to tooth decay, as well as gum disease, or gingivitis, says the University of Michigan Health System. The same compounds are found in black tea. Both animal and small human studies have found that drinking or rinsing with green tea can help to reduce plaque formation and instances of gingivitis. For example, a human study found that using a mouthwash of tea-leaf alcohol extract prior to bedtime every night for four days caused substantially less plaque formation on the study participants' teeth. Another small double-blind study in humans found that chewing a green tea-based candy was effective in preventing gingivitis.
Neem
Using an oral gel made from neem leaves may reduce plaque formation and levels of harmful bacteria in your mouth. A double-blind trial involving 36 adults in India found that using 1 gram of neem extract gel twice daily was more effective than chlorhexidine and placebo in decreasing plaque and bacteria, notes the University of Michigan Health System. A similar clinical trial found that using neem gel produces the same beneficial effects.
Bloodroot
The alkaloids contained in bloodroot may prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which could help to prevent you from developing gingivitis, says the University of Michigan Health System. Scientific evidence to support bloodroot's effects on preventing periodontal disease is lacking, however, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. One six-month-long, double-blind study did find that using a toothpaste containing bloodroot and zinc was substantially more effective than the placebo in decreasing gingivitis.
Echinacea, Myrrh & Chamomile
Echinacea, chamomile and myrrh offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that may help to treat gingivitis, says the University of Michigan Health System. A few medical studies have confirmed these effects. For instance, one double-blind clinical trial of 89 people found that using a mouthwash containing echinacea, myrrh, chamomile, sage, mint and ratania was more effective than a commercial mouthwash in easing inflammation of the gums due to gingivitis, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A toothpaste made from the essential oils or tinctures of the same herbs was also made into a toothpaste for treating gingivitis.
