It is always interesting to have alternative ways to care for our teeth and gums. While making an appointment to our friendly neighborhood dentist is a more convenient way to maintain that shiny teeth and keep the gums healthy or to make sure perfect dentures stay in place, there is always a more cheaper, safe and effective way to do so like resorting into using essential herbs.
Also, for people who hates going to the dentist, or just simply have no time to do so, there is always something you can do about your teeth and gums.
Here are 6 essential herbs to help you to have healthy teeth and gums.
1. Neem
Nimtree and Indian Lilac (Azadirachta indica) is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae who is known for its drought resistance.
Products from Neem Tree (oil, leaf and twigs) play a big part in traditional medicine because of its anti-fungal, antihelmentic, anti-diabetes, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative property.
In India, Africa and the Middle East, neem twigs or popularly known by the locals as Datun are first chewed as a toothbrush and then as a tongue cleaner.
It has been proven and tested to reduce plaque and gingival inflammation and in general, it enhances mouth immunity.
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2. Goldenseal
Also known as Orange Root or Yellow Puccoon is a perennial herb in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. This herb is native in southeastern Canada and eastern United States.
It has antibacterial and antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetics, antiseptic, astringent bitter tonic and laxative and muscular stimulant property.
Given than it has its antiseptic property, goldenseal can be used to prevent or treat gum disease. A quick solution is just to mix goldenseal extract and salt and rub mixture to your gums.
3. Myrrh
Myrrh is the aromatic resin of a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora myrrha native to Eastern Ethiopia, Yemen, Somalia and Eritrea. Aside from being used for embalming and mummifying in Ancient Egypt, it also has its analgesic and antiseptic property.
If and when you experience sore gums and bad breath or just to keep those dentures clean, you technically have an all in one solution in Myrrh. It saves you time and money.
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4. White Oak Bark
White Oak Bark (Quercus alba) is not only famous because its wood was used to build the framework of USS Constitution in 1797, but also because of its healing wonders.
Just like gold seal, it can also be an astringent that could treat throat and mouth infections and bleeding gums and if taken orally this could be diuretics. Think of it as a jackpot. No hassle at all.
5. Oregon Grape Herb
Oregon Grape Herb is a shrub that grows widely in Northwest America that is known for its healing wonders because it contains berberine, an antibacterial constituent that can cure a variety of infections including gum infection.
In addition, it also has astringent that can help strengthen tissues to avoid inflamed and swollen games to keep your dentures in place.
6. Licorice Root
Licorice Root is native in Europe, India and some parts of Asia. Just like Oregon grape herb, it has an antibacterial property that used to soothe sore throat.Over the years there have been numerous scientific studies about the possibility that licorice root can cure gum disease and fight tooth decay.
So, there you go. These friendly herbs are proven to be safe and effective with our teeth and gums problem. Not only that these herbs can save us from “donating” our hard-earned money to our local dentists, they can also save us time.
