The aloe vera plant has a long history of healing power. Its ability to heal burns and cuts and soothe pain has been documented as far back as the 10th century. Legend has it that Cleopatra used aloe vera to keep her skin soft.

The modern use of aloe vera was first recognized the 1930s to heal radiation burns. Since then, it has been a common ingredient in ointments that heal sunburn, minor cuts, skin irritation, and many other ailments. Amazingly the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) admitted that aloe ointment actually did regenerate skin tissue. Apart from that unexpected endorsement, aloe vera is also widely acknowledged for it’s use in helping to treat digestive problems and boost your immune system and well-being.

Keeping your mouth naturally clean and healthy

Past studies have shown that aloe vera has the following healing abilities:

• Enhances defence mechanisms
• Is antibacterial and antiviral
• Provides nutritional support
• Increases the regenerative potential
• Provides anaesthetic qualities
• Has an anti-inflammatory response

Now, it seems that aloe vera can bring all of these health benefits to your mouth. A recent study published in the May/June 2009 issue of General Dentistry (the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal) found that aloe vera gel worked as well as regular toothpaste to clean teeth and eliminate cavity-causing bacteria. “There is good evidence to support using aloe vera for oral health problems,” says AGD spokesperson Kenton A. Ross “I believe a number of patients will be interested in this inexpensive alternative.”

Aloe vera tooth gel is intended to perform the same function as toothpaste, which is to eliminate pathogenic oral micro flora – disease-causing bacteria – in the mouth. However, this has been a point of contention for some dental professionals. The latest research presented in General Dentistry may bring a change of heart among cynics.

The AGD article written by Dr. Richard L. Wynn, study mentioned in AGD compared the germ-fighting ability of an aloe vera tooth gel to two commercially popular toothpastes and revealed that the aloe vera tooth gel was just as effective, and in some cases more effective, than the commercial brands at controlling cavity-causing organisms.

Dr. Richard L. Wynn also mentions a study done on a patient with lichen planus, a disease affecting the skin and oral mucus membranes. The patient drank 2.0 ounces of aloe vera juice daily and topical applied aloe vera lip balm. The oral lesions cleared up in four weeks.

Dr. Wynn cited the study as showing that oral health problems can be treated with aloe vera. “Aloe vera can be taken both as the aloe vera juice and aloe vera gel. These are the two modes of delivery recognized by the FDA,” says Dr. Wynn. Aloe vera also accelerates healing and reduces pain associated with canker sores, which are blisters on the lips or mouth.

How does it work?

Aloe gel contains anthraquinones, which are chemical compounds that are used in healing and arresting pain because they are anti-inflammatory in nature. But, because aloe vera tooth gel tends to be less harsh on teeth, as it does not contain the abrasive elements typically found in commercial toothpaste, it is a great alternative for people with sensitive teeth or gums.

Before you rush to your local health food store to buy aloe vera toothpaste, listen to what Dr. Dilip George, co- researcher of the study, have to say:’… the aloe must not be treated with excessive heat or filtered during the manufacturing process, as this destroys or reduces the effects of certain essential compounds, such as enzymes and polysaccharides.’ Dr. George suggests that consumers consult non-profit associations such as the International Aloe Science Council to see what products have received the organization’s seal of quality.

One more thing to look out for is that not all aloe vera tooth gel contains the proper form of aloe vera. Products must contain the stabilised gel that is located in the centre of the aloe vera plant in order to be effective.

Not just vanity

Looking after your teeth and gums is not just a matter of vanity, but neglecting your oral health poses real health risks. Many studies have shown that good general health is directly linked to healthy gums, and gum disease has been linked to several medical conditions such as stroke, diabetes, heart attack and worsening lung disease.

Healthy gums can increase a person’s biological age by up to 6.4 years. Studies have shown that the presence of periodontal diseases, most common in people with tooth loss, actually affects longevity. The best of these studies, done at Emory University in the US, in conjunction with the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC), indicates that people with gingivitis and periodontal disease have a mortality rate that is 23 per cent to 46 per cent higher than those who don’t.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue that is the major cause of about 70 per cent of adult tooth loss. It affects three out of four persons at some point in their life.

Gum disease is characterised by red, swollen and bleeding gums in the initial stages and progresses to infections, chronic inflammation and bone loss in later stages. Eventually bacteria are allowed to flow freely through your gums and into your blood stream that activates and stresses the immune system.

Gum disease can play a part in:

• Heart Attack: research has show that people with gum disease are 25 per cent more likely to have a heart attack. Bacteria originating from the gums to the veins and arteries cause plaque build up and arterial inflammation that can provoke hazardous clotting. A 12- year US study conducted by Harvard University researchers and 41,000 healthy men free of cardiovascular disease showed that those with periodontal disease had more clot-related strokes.
• Diabetes: Periodontal disease severely affects the control of blood sugars. The spread of bacteria throughout the body via the blood stream stresses and confuses the body when trying to adjust sugars to the invasion. Antibiotic treatment has help diabetics control blood sugars while treating the infections caused by gum disease.
• Lung infections: Breathing in oral bacteria caused by gum disease can cause lung infections. Bacteria that grow in the oral cavities can be breathed into the lungs to cause respiratory disease such as pneumonia.

A daily intake of aloe vera (as juice or used as a toothpaste) can be of great benefit for oral health. Since it is a natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial plant, it can work wonders for dental health and protect the sensitive fragile tissues of the mouth when consumed internally.

Those interested in using aloe vera for oral health problems are encouraged to speak with a dentist for proper treatment techniques.

Related Reading:

The Link Between Gum Disease And Rheumatoid Arthritis

Green Tea And CoQ10 May Protect Against Gum And Heart Disease

Exposure To Fluoride Lowers Intelligence

Sources:

‘Aloe Vera and your teeth’ published online, hubpages.com

‘Aloe Vera Helps Gum Disease’ published online 22.06.08, articlesbase.com

‘Teeth And Gums Also Benefit From The Healing Power Of Aloe Vera’ published online, 20.07.09, medicalnewstoday.com

‘Aloe vera and dentistry’ published online, aloeveradoctor.com

‘Aloe Vera Gel for Teeth’ by Dr. Weill, published online 13.08.09, drweil.com

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Disclaimer: Bear in mind the material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.

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