Herbal Remedies For Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can be the result of poor dental hygiene, illness, tobacco use or infection. According to MedlinePlus, gum disease can be either a mild inflammation and bleeding of the gum tissue around the teeth, known as gingivitis, or a more serious infection, called periodontitis that can cause tooth and bone loss. The Mayo Clinic states that periodontitis infections may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Herbs for gum disease work to fight infection, staunch bleeding and reduce inflammation.

Myrrh

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol, C. myrrha) is the fragrant resin or dried sap from a number of trees in the Burseraceae family, also known as the incense tree family. In traditional Chinese medicine and Indian ayurvedic medicine, myrrh is used to promote circulation, making myrrh a useful treatment for gum disease. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," herbalist David Hoffmann states that blood circulation in the gums aids in detoxification. Myrrh also has potent anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and pain, and antibacterial constituents, like eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, to fight mouth bacteria that can cause gum disease.

Wood avens

Wood avens (Geum urbanum) is a perennial herb with small yellow flowers that grows throughout Europe, Asia and North America. The roots are rich in anti-inflammatory tannins, giving the plant astringent properties that, when used as a gargle or mouthwash, reduce bleeding and tissue inflammation. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink state that the volatile oil of wood avens also contains the potent antimicrobial eugenol, which may account for many of the plant's healing effects on the gums.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a member of the buttercup family used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Goldenseal root contains the potent alkaloid berberine which, according to herbalist David Hoffmann, has antibiotic action across a broad range of pathogens. A study published in the 2003 issue of "Planta Medica" found that the berberine from goldenseal was effective against two strands of oral bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, which contributes to tooth decay, and Fusobacterium nucleatum, which contributes to gum disease.

Indian pennywort and pomegranate

Indian pennywort (Centella asiatica) has potent wound-healing properties, and pomegranate rind (Punica granatum) has a high tannin content, making it an effective anti-inflammatory. When combined, these herbs proved to be a useful remedy for chronic periodontitis. A study published in the October 2003 issue of the "Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology" found that when applied topically these herbs healed gum tissue and reduced bleeding and plaque in patients with chronic periodontitis. Pomegranate rind is toxic in high doses.