If you’ve ever spent a summer in Arizona, you’re probably familiar with the painful sting of a sunburn. And nothing is as soothing to sunburned skin as aloe vera. But aloe vera can also benefit your oral health and be a good home remedy for tooth infection.
That’s because the aloe vera plant has amino acids along with B1, B2, B6 and C vitamins. These vitamins help your body’s cells work properly. Plus, the aloe vera plant has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, so it can boost healing and treat pain related to gum disease and other oral issues like canker sores and cold sores. Read on to discover why the health benefits of aloe vera make it a good home remedy for tooth infection:
Aloe Vera Reduces Inflammation
Although plaque occurs naturally, too much of it can cause swollen, red gums, resulting in gingivitis.
Aloe vera reverses inflammation by improving the immune system and aides in collagen production. In a study on patients with gingivitis, research showed that treatments including aloe vera sped up the healing process and helped reduce overall inflammation of the gums.
Aloe Vera Reduces Bacteria
For people with periodontitis (a severe form of gum disease), an overgrowth of bacteria triggers painful and swollen gums. But some plant sterols found in aloe vera may act as an antiseptic, meaning they stop or slow down bacteria growth. This helps reduce infection in the mouth and other areas of the body.
In another study on patients with severe gum disease, researchers found that using aloe vera gel with a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums done by a dental hygienist had better results than a deep cleaning treatment alone.
Aloe Vera Reduces Pain
Mouth sores can be caused by illness, stress, infection, dentures that don’t fit well or a broken tooth or filling. Though very common, canker sores and cold sores are painful and can make it hard to eat and talk.
When salicylic acid found in aloe vera breaks down in the body it turns into an aspirin-like compound. This compound helps provide some pain relief when applied topically to sores in or around the mouth.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Oral Health
While aloe vera can help protect your teeth, gums, and mouth against infection, it should be used in addition to regular oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist.
You can find oral products like toothpastes, mouthwashes and tooth gels that contain aloe vera as an active ingredient for daily use.
To treat a cold sore, apply aloe vera balm or gel three times per day until the sore has dried.
As with many natural remedies, more research is needed, and you should speak with your dentist about any potential or known risks associated with using aloe vera on the mouth or gums.
For information on other natural oral health remedies check out these articles:
- Can Apple Cider Vinegar Harm Tooth Enamel?
- Essential Oils in Dental Products and Practice
- 5 Foods That Naturally Whiten and Brighten Teeth