Aloe vera benefits dental health, say experts

Now there is strong scientific evidence that aloe vera as an active ingredient in tooth gel, can soothe pain fight cavities and control mouth bacteria.

However, the ability of aloe vera tooth gel as an effective cleanser to fight germs as opposed to other commercial tooth pastes has been widely speculated.

In order to understand the criterion better, experts compared the effect of aloe vera tooth gel with two other popular pastes.

Benefits of aloe vera
The researchers observed that aloe vera tooth gel performs the same function as the popular toothpaste in destroying and eliminating pathogenic oral microflora (disease-causing bacteria) in the mouth.

They further noticed that it was just as effective, and in some cases more effective, at fighting germs than other brands.

In addition, aloe vera reduces pain because it contains anthraquinones, an organic substance that produces an anti-inflammatory effect.

Another benefit of the gel is that it is less abrasive on teeth than conventional toothpaste, because it does not contain abrasive elements and may prove to be a better alternative for people with sensitive teeth and gums.

A word of caution from experts
However, the researchers cautioned that not all aloe vera gel products contain the anti-inflammatory compounds needed to combat cavity-causing germs.

Users should purchase the products that contain the stabilized gel that is located in the center of the aloe vera plant. Besides, it’s vital products must follow certain manufacturing standards.

According to the study’s co-author Dilip George of Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Tiruvallam, India, “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."

Gels certified by the International Aloe Science Council, Inc., certified for purity and quality, are recommended.

Eric Shapria, MS, DDS, MAGD, MA Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson says, "Thankfully, consumers with sensitive teeth or gums have a number of choices when it comes to their oral health, and aloe vera is one of them.

"If they are interested in a more alternative approach to oral hygiene, they should speak with their dentist to ensure that it meets the standards of organized dentistry, too."

The findings appeared in the issue of General Dentistry.