Herbal Toothpaste Study Points to Safe and Effective Oral Hygiene

Toothpaste containing plant-derived extracts is effective in the prevention or treatment of gingivitis and early-stage periodontitis, according to a study published in the Journal of Dentistry. The authors say there is an immediate need for treatments to maintain oral hygiene, and antibacterial herbal extracts have safer toxicity profiles for human use.

The double-blind placebo-controlled trial, conducted in Russia, involved 50 male and female patients between the ages of 35 and 55. The study subjects had a previous diagnosis of gingivitis or initial stages of periodontitis. Patients were randomly assigned to an experimental toothpaste or the control toothpaste for a 60-day trial period, during which they brushed twice daily.   

The experimental toothpaste, manufactured in Switzerland, contained chemical components and extracts of German chamomile, sage, arnica, and echinacea. The control toothpaste contained only chemical active ingredients. For laboratory research, 25 healthy patients with no diagnosis of gingivitis or early stages of periodontitis patients donated gingival crevicular fluid for comparative analysis.

Patients in the experimental group experienced diminished bleeding of the gums and teeth whitening. The indices of gingivitis, general oral hygiene, plaque, tartar buildup, and mild periodontitis decreased in both groups over the trial period. While both toothpastes eliminated several bacterial periodontal pathogens, the experimental one was more efficient against several of them.

Analysis of results led the authors to conclude that safe and efficient oral hygiene products should contain a combination of chemical and plant-derived antibacterial compounds.  The herbs used in the study showed positive anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and antibacterial actions.