Medicinal plants in dental and gum problems

Medicinal plants in dental and gum problems

toothache and gum problems are widespread and can affect any of us. But did you know that medicinal plants can serve as natural helpers in need? Today, in which many rely on alternative healing methods, plants such as chamomile, cloves and sage achieve a central role in the dentistry industry. They are not only characterized by their traditional applications, but also by their proven effectiveness - this should be examined in more detail in this article.

We immerse yourself in the scientific foundations and analyze which of these plants are particularly effective against symptoms in the mouth area. And the best? You will receive practical tips for using dental practice. Let us discover together how nature can help keep your bright smile.

Scientific foundations of medicinal plants for dental and gum problems

medicinal plants play an important role in alternative and complementary medicine, especially in dental and gum problems. Numerous scientific studies show the effectiveness of certain plant extracts that have antimicrobial, anti -inflammatory and pain relieving properties.

belong to the frequently used medicinal plants:

• chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla) : known for their anti -inflammatory properties, chamomile is often contained in mouthwashes to alleviate gum infections.
• sage (Salvia officinalis) : sage looks antiseptic and can positively influence the oral flora. Studies have shown that sage extracts can reduce pain in gum infections.
• tea tree oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) : tea tree oil has strong antimicrobial properties and is used in dentistry to prevent and treat periodontal diseases.
• echinacea (Echinacea Purpurea) : This plant has immunestimulating effects and is often used to support the healing of gums and to combat inflammation.

The effectiveness of these medicinal plants is determined by different ingredients. For example, chamomile contains essential oils, flavonoids and sesquiterpen lactones that contribute to reducing inflammation. Sage contains rosemary acid and thujon, both demonstrably show antimicrobial effects and promote wound healing.

a meta -analysis by Liu et al. (2020) supports the use of medicinal plants in dentistry by showing that vegetable products offer significant improvements in symptoms such as swelling and pain. These studies show that medicinal plants can be regarded not only as a supplement to conventional therapy, but also as preventive measures.

Overall, it shows from research that medicinal plants can be a valuable addition to the treatment of tooth and gum problems. However, further clinical studies are required to better understand the mechanisms and the doses used. The close cooperation between dentists and naturopathic practitioners could potentially lead to the development of more effective treatment methods.

Effectiveness and areas of application: An analysis of specific medicinal plants

The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of dental and gum problems has become more important in recent years. A large number of plants show positive effects that are documented in both folk medicine and scientific studies. Here some of the most common medicinal plants are analyzed that have proven to be particularly effective.

• sage (Salvia officinalis) : known for its antiseptic and anti -inflammatory properties. Sage tea is often used for mouthwash to alleviate inflammation in the gums.
• chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla) : effectively and anti -inflammatory. Chamomile extracts can alleviate pain and regenerate the tissue in the mouth.
• nelke (sycygium aromaticum) : contains Eugenol that has severe pain relieving and antiseptic properties. Often used to treat toothache.
• aloe vera (aloe barbadensis miller) : effective plant for the treatment of wounds and inflammation in the mouth. Also has a germicidal effect.
• Teebaum oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) : With strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil proved to combat gum infections.

The application of these medicinal plants can be used in different forms: as teas, tinctures or as mouthwashes. It is important to consider the suitable dosage. With regard to security, many studies show that the use of medicinal plants in a controlled environment is usually well tolerated.

Another important aspect is the combination of medicinal plants. Often their effects reinforce each other. A combination of chamomile and sage, for example, shows significant results in the treatment of gum infections in several studies.

For experts in the dental area, it is important to find out about the latest research results in order to be able to give the best recommendations for using these plants in practice. If used correctly, medicinal plants can be a valuable addition to conventional dentistry.

recommendations for the use of medicinal plants in dental practice

medicinal plants offer valuable supportive treatment approaches in dental practice, especially for dental and gum problems. However, the application should be carefully planned and matched to the individual patient. Clear communication between the dentist and the patient is essential to manage expectations and achieve optimal results.

• Selection of medicinal plants: Before application, a comprehensive medical history should be carried out. Factors such as allergies, previous illnesses and current medication are crucial to avoid interactions. Frequent medicinal plants in dentistry are, for example, sage, chamomile and tea tree oil.
• dosage: The right dosage is critical. In essential oils, for example, dilution is usually recommended to avoid irritation. The exact dosage can vary depending on the type of application (e.g. mouthwash, inhalation).
• forms of application: medicinal plants can be used in various dosage forms. Mouth rinsing, tinctures or ointments are common methods. Each form has its specific advantages and should be selected depending on the symptoms.
• accompanying therapies: medicinal plants should be regarded as additional therapy. In many cases, it is advisable not to replace traditional dental treatments, but to combine them sensibly.
• patient education: patients should be sufficiently informed about the advantages and possible side effects of the medicinal plants. An enlightening discussion can help build trust and increase the acceptance of treatment.

When using medicinal plants in practice, it is important to consult evidence -based studies. Some medicinal plants have shown positive effects in clinical studies:

The implementation of medicinal plants requires a structured procedure. In addition to taking into account the individual patient needs, the training of the dental staff should not be neglected when dealing with these plants. Expertise on the effect, types of application and possible side effects is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment.

sources and further literature

references

• Schleicher, H., & Ifang, H. (2018). Medicinal plants and their application in dentistry. *German dental magazine*, 73 (4), 205-210.
• Gräber, S. C., & Riese, m. (2016). Traditional medicinal plants in modern dentistry. *Dentistry today*, 27 (6), 15-20.

Studies

• Kaiser, L., & Schmitt, m. (2015). Effect essential oils on the oral flora: a clinical study. *Journal of Oral Microbiology*, 7, 29027.
• Müller, R. K. et al. (2020). Antimicrobial properties of chamomile and sage against oral bacteria: a randomized controlled study. *Phytomedicine*, 75, 153235.

further literature

• Becker, r. (2019). *Naturopathy in dentistry: a practice -oriented introduction*. Heidelberg: Springer Verlag.
• Therin, E. m. (2021). *The healing power of the plants: a reference work for dentists and alternative practitioners*. Munich: Urban & Fischer.