Herbs Use in Dentistry

Emerging Trends of Herbs and Spices in General Health/Oral Uses

Introduction

Herbs are one of remedial agents which God has created for afflicted humans. Herbal extracts have been used in traditional medicine for several thousand years. The knowledge on medicinal plants has been accumulated in the course of many centuries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 80% of the world’s people depend on traditional medicine (herbal) for their primary healthcare needs.

1. Cinnamon :-

 (a) General Health Uses : Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees called Cinnamomum. It is a popular spice. It is high in a substance called cinnamaldehyde, which is responsible for most of the health benefits. Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols. Cinnamon has been linked with reduced risk of heart disease, the world’s most common cause of premature death. In people with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram of cinnamon per day has beneficial effects on blood markers. It reduces levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while HDL cholesterol remains stable. Cinnamon can improve some key risk factors for heart disease. 

(b) Oral/Dental Uses: Cinnamaldehyde has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which may reduce infections and help fight tooth decay and bad breath. It also shows beneficial effects on oral health and is used for toothaches, oral infections, and to remove bad breath. Cinnamon has also been used to treat acne and melisma,

2. Clove:-

(a) General Health Uses : Cloves offer many health benefits, some of which include aiding in digestion, fighting against cancer, protecting the liver, boosting the immune system, controlling diabetes, and preserving bone quality. They also contain anti-mutagenic and anti-microbial properties, along with fighting against oral diseases and headaches.

(b) Oral/Dental Uses : More traditional use of clove oil is for pain relief. Holding a clove seed in the mouth next to an aching tooth is an age-old home remedy. The mechanism of action for pain relief appears to be linked to the activation of calcium and chloride channels in ganglion cells. Additional research indicates inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase, which are all known to increase pain perception.

3. Coriander :-

(a) General Health Uses : The health benefits of coriander include its use in the treatment of skin inflammation, high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, anemia, indigestion, menstrual disorders, smallpox, conjunctivitis, skin disorders, and blood sugar disorders, while also benefiting eye care.

(b) Oral/Dental Uses : Citronellol, a component of essential oils in coriander, is an excellent antiseptic. Additionally, other components have antimicrobial and healing effects which keep wounds and ulcers in the mouth from worsening. They help speed up the healing process of ulcers and also prevent bad breath.

4. Neem : -

(a) General Health Uses : The important health benefits of neem include its ability to treat dandruff, soothe irritation, protect the skin, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, speed wound healing, treat gastric conditions, slow the aging process, improve the health of hair and scalp, maintain sexual organ health, and treat various forms of cancer and diabetes.

(b) Oral/Dental Uses : Neem is very popular as an ingredient in oral health products in the Indian subcontinent. Its antibacterial qualities make it ideal for eliminating the bacteria beneath the gums that cause periodontal disease and halitosis (badbreath). Neem is a popular ingredient in mouthwashes and toothbrushes. Neem offers a good remedy for curing mouth ulcers, tooth decay and acts as a pain reliever in toothache problems.