The Top 10 Best Herbs for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Who doesn’t want healthier teeth and gums? As we age, it is perfectly natural that you will experience some signs of gum disease or tooth decay. Even if you remember to floss, brush your teeth twice per day, and eat healthy foods, you can still end up with moderate signs of dental problems.

The following 10 herbs can help to restore the health of your gums and prevent tooth decay and cavities. Along with brushing your teeth and flossing, consider using the following herbs. They can be added to your toothpaste, added to a tea, or used as a mouth rinse.

There are many ways to use these herbs, but you also need to follow regular oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth regularly and remember to floss before you go to bed. If you continue to take care of your teeth, you should be able to limit the spread of gum disease and tooth decay.

Myrrh

Myrrh is very useful for dealing with sore gums and teeth. If you are experiencing a toothache, use a myrrh tincture to relieve the pain. Within a minute or less, you should notice pain relief. Myrrh can also help kill bacteria that could be responsible for gum disease and tooth decay.

Neem

Neem has powerful antibacterial properties. In certain cultures, sticks of neem were used as a toothbrush and this practice is gaining popularity in Western culture. According to some recent studies, neem can help reduce plaque and prevent cavities. It could also freshen your breath. If you have powdered neem, you can add a small amount to your regular toothpaste.

Echinacea

Echinacea can be used for more than fighting the common cold. It can also reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. This will help fight infection and inflammation due to gum disease.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is something that you may hear about a lot, but not really know what it is. No, goldenseal is not a cream or brand name, it is an actual herb. You can use goldenseal to help heal your gums, thanks to the antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that it contains.

Oregon Grape Root

Oregon grape root has astringent and antimicrobial properties, helping to soothe sore gums and teeth, while limiting the swelling of your gums. If you have noticed the signs of gum disease, including pain and swelling, use Oregon grape root.

Propolis

Propolis is another herb that sounds like it could be a commercial product, such as prescription medication. Actually, propolis is a beneficial herb that can prevent the spread of infection and keep your gum disease from becoming worse. It should be noted that you should avoid using propolis if you have a bee allergy. Propolis is a red or brown substance that is collected by honeybees from tree buds.

Plantain

Plantain is a common herb that you may even have growing in your own backyard. It is regularly used to heal wounds and prevent infection. To create your own plantain tincture, fill a mason jar with plantain leaves. Add vodka until the jar is full. Close the lid and allow the jar to sit for six weeks.

Sage

You can use sage to reduce swelling of the gums and reduce pain due to sore gums or teeth. It is a natural astringent and is easy to use in a mouthwash or to add to a toothpaste.

White Oak Bark

Another herb for reducing swelling and soothing sore gums is white oak bark. This herb has actually been used for centuries, for a variety of purposes; though, it has mostly been used for its natural astringent properties. It can help contract blood vessels, which is useful for reducing swelling and preventing the spread of infection.

Peppermint

Peppermint is the final herb on this list. Not only can it help to fight inflammation and soothe your sore mouth, it will also freshen your breath and may help whiten your teeth.

Homemade Herbal Mouthwash

If you need help figuring out how to use any of the herbs above, consider using the following homemade herbal mouthwash. Combine the following ingredients, by purchasing tinctures of some of the herbs described above:

• Myrrh
• Echinacea
• Goldenseal
• Propolis
• Plantain

Directions for Homemade Herbal Mouthwash

Purchase a tincture of each of the herbs listed. Combine equal parts of each tincture and place in a bottle with a dropper. You can create as large of a batch as you want, but you may want to start with a small mixture, when you first try this mouthwash. Consider mixing ¼ cup of each herb. This will provide 1 ¼ cups of tincture mixture, of which, you will need 20 drops for the mouthwash each time you rinse your mouth.

When you are ready to use the mouthwash, add 20 drops of the tincture mixture to ½ a cup of water. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for several minutes and then spit out.

This is not the best tasting mouthwash, but it is incredibly effective. If you find that the taste is too powerful, you may want to try adding peppermint to the mix.

Use Natural Herbs to Heal Your Sore Gums

When you are dealing with gum disease or tooth decay, start practicing proper oral hygiene and use natural herbs to heal your mouth. Consider using the herbs listed above as part of your regular dental hygiene routine. They will help reduce swelling, prevent infection, and slow down gum disease or tooth decay.

In addition to using the herbs listed, make sure that you take care of your teeth. Thoroughly brush your teeth twice per day. After each meal, you may want to lightly brush your teeth. Along with brushing, floss your teeth every night before bedtime. Every three months, replace your toothbrush.

Better oral health starts with the steps that you take to as part of your everyday routine. Start using herbs to reduce the pain and swelling related to gum disease and stop further tooth decay.