Medicinal plants are often regarded as the primary component of alternative medicine. Once again, they are placed in the spotlight as holistic dentistry looks at the philosophies of traditional medicine and aims to promote organic cures.
The emphasis on medicinal plants’ use has always been prevention and treatment. Many studies have been conducted on the use and disease-preventing abilities of medicinal plants.
Traditional medicine is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the sum of all knowledge, practices, no matter how explicable, that are used to diagnose, prevent, or eliminate physical, mental, and social imbalances.
It relies solely upon practical experience and observation, verbally and in writing.
Traditional Plants in Dentistry
The revival of herbs for toothache is taking place all around the world. Botanically speaking, a herb is any plant without the woody tissue characteristic of trees or shrubs. Some herbs have a distinctive flavor or smell, while some have medicinal properties used in holistic dentistry to treat various diseases.
The use of herbal extracts in toothache medication has been successful as a tooth-cleaning agent and antimicrobial plaque agent. Globally, herbal medicine continues to grow in popularity, mainly for holistic dental health.
People are increasingly turning to herbs for toothache and health care in various settings. Using herbal extracts in dentistry is proven to reduce inflammation, prevent histamine release, and act as an antiseptic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic.
Commonly Used Plants For Holistic Dental Care
Many herbalists believe that extracting the chemical from the plant rather than using the whole plant eliminates active ingredients such as volatile oils, bioflavonoids, and minerals essential for a specific herb’s medicinal properties. Here are some of the most commonly used plants and herbs for holistic dentistry.
Bloodroot
The primary active compounds in bloodroot are alkaloids, primarily sanguinarine. They are often used as toothache medication to treat periodontal disease, gingivitis, and other issues relating to oral hygiene.
Sometimes, people add ten drops or less of bloodroot to their cough relief formulas, which they may take up to three times daily.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years, and its health benefits are well-known, even in holistic dental care. Researchers are becoming more interested in this plant; aloe vera has been shown to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, making it a good alternative to medications used in holistic dentistry. It is also non-allergic and helps build up the immune system.
Aloe vera has been gaining popularity in dentistry as one of the herbs for toothache due to its natural properties and no reported side effects.
Chamomile
Chamomile flowers are one of the most commonly used herbs for tooth infections. It contains 1-2% volatile oils. Flavonoids, quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin are just a few of the active ingredients found in chamomile. These active ingredients are responsible for chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action as well as smooth-muscle relaxing effect, especially in the gastrointestinal tract.
Volatile oils from chamomile are usually extracted to manufacture mouthwashes and used to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis.
Avocado
Avocados are a trendy superfood good for your dental health. They are full of vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen and protect your gums and teeth.
These fruits are rich in magnesium and folic acid that help against gum inflammation and prevent diseases and infection.
Caraway
Caraway is one of the most useful herbs for tooth infection. It contains 3-7% volatile oil, which is 50-60% carvone and 40% limonene. Using it as a mouthwash can help with gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Pepper
All species and varieties of pepper contain capsaicin, which is the chemical compound responsible for their spicy flavor. It is also often used in holistic dentistry as a numbing agent.
Capsaicin binds to TRPV1 (“transient receptor potential vanilloid”), desensitizing pain fibers insensitive to nociceptive stimuli. Despite the fact that capsaicin numbs pain and is anti-inflammatory, very few studies have been done to prove its harmful effects.
Echinacea
Echinacea may support the immune system by activating white cells. Its three major components work together to increase white blood cell activity: alkylamides/polyacetylenes, caffeic acids derivatives, and polysaccharides.
Echinacea mouthwash is effective against gingivitis and periodontal disease and can be used in conjunction with peppermint oil and menthol.
Peppermint
One of the flavors that come to mind when thinking about dental products is mint. Peppermint and spearmint are some of the common herbs used in holistic dentistry medications.
Peppermint oil or tea is commonly used to treat gas and indigestion. Volatile oil found in peppermint leaves is approximately 0.1%-1.0%. It is mainly composed of menthol (29-48%) and menthone (20-31%). Peppermint oil is classified as a carminative, which prevents or relieves gas in the intestinal tract.
Rosemary
The volatile oils like eucalyptol (cineole) are powerful antibacterial agents against chronic candidiasis and can relax the smooth muscles of the lungs.
Rosemary oil has antibacterial and antifungal qualities. It is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Rosemary also has carnosol, which can inhibit cancer formation and food-spoiling bacteria.
Common Dental Ailments Resolved by Herbal Medicines
Holistic dentistry believes that your well-being and dental health are essential parts of your overall health. Poor oral hygiene is linked to dental cavities, gum disease, and even cancer.
A lifetime commitment is required to maintain healthy gums. You can avoid costly procedures and long-term health problems by learning good oral hygiene habits like flossing, brushing, and sugar management.
Herbal medicines resolve the most common dental ailments known to mankind. Some of the dental problems medicinal plants deal with include:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the term used to describe the inflammation of the gums, often caused by plaque buildup on your teeth because of poor brushing or flossing habits.
Gingivitis may cause your gums to swell and bleed when you floss or brush your teeth. They can lead to more serious infections like periodontitis if you leave them untreated.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is a pus-filled cavity resulting from a bacterial infection, which may occur in different areas of the tooth. A periapical abscess is located at the root tip, while those found in the gums to the side of a tooth root are called periodontal abscesses.
Dental Caries
Dental caries are the most common and oldest dental problem in the world. Dental caries have increased in post-industrial societies due to increasing wealth and sugar availability.
Advantages of Using Herbal Medicine
Although natural remedies may work, it doesn’t mean that you should stop learning about the benefits of wheatgrass supplements. A holistic dentist and other dental professionals recommend patients learn about the pros and cons of herbal medicines before taking them.
Accessibility
The plants are rich in many compounds that have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Natural compounds are the best source of modern medicines like antibiotics, phenols, and newer cancer treatments.
Herbal medicines are also an inexpensive alternative to pharmaceuticals and are easier to find in rural areas, making them more accessible for a wider group of people.
Availability
Unlike certain pharmaceuticals, herbal medication is widely available. The Food and Drug Administration loosely monitors herbal medications and their primary ingredients.
Since herbal medicines are harvested from common herbs, it is easy to find home-brewed remedies containing volatile oils.
Disadvantages of Herbal Medication
Although there has been a huge demand for alternative medicine at the start of the decade, progress is still relatively slow in terms of published studies regarding the benefits and potency of these medications. Other disadvantages of using herbal medicine, especially for dental use, include:
High Risk of Toxicity
Since there are no definitive studies yet to the extent of the potency of herbal medications, people who are blindly consuming them are prone to toxicity. Scientists and medical professionals warn that just because something is inherently edible does not mean it’s free from toxic materials.
Volatile oils harvested from wildflowers may also contain highly toxic substances.
Side Effects
Even with the existing studies on common herbs used for alternative medicine, the data and knowledge regarding their side effects are incomplete. Sometimes, ingesting volatile oils may cure a specific ailment but can contribute to another.
The slow progress of studies regarding volatile oils and herbal medicine exposes people to different side effects.
What Your Dentist Can Do for You
Your holistic dentist is knowledgeable in the latest developments in medicine; always discuss using herbal or alternative medicine with a dental professional before taking them.
Dentists may also suggest alternative treatments and herbs you can use to alleviate holistic dental issues.
Try Sunrise Dentistry’s Holistic Approach To Health
Searching for dentists near Durango, CO? Sunrise Dentistry can help with all your oral problems with holistic dentistry. Our highly-skilled team can provide the best care for your teeth. Book a session with us today for holistic oral care.
