Tobias K. Boehm (June 9, 2024)
Common ingredients in Ayurvedic medicine formulations are also the base of Ayurvedic oral health products (“Ayurvedic Medicine – Using Ingredients Like Turmeric, Fenugreek, Boswellia and Ashwagandha” by formulatehealth is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient form of medicine developed in India that uses herbs and other natural ingredients to restore a balance between mind, body and spirit which is needed for health (1). Several ayurvedic oral hygiene products are available through online retailers to consumers in the U.S. and have found enthusiastic supporters that claim that these toothpastes and powders can cure gum disease.
There is indeed support for beneficial effects of ayurvedic oral hygiene products beyond tradition. A recent systematic review of scientific literature on this topic pooled data from 41 randomized clinical trials and found somewhat favorable effects of ayurvedic oral hygiene products on dental plaque levels, gum inflammation and bacterial growth compared to a chlorhexidine antiseptic mouth rinse (2). While the favorable effect seen in this study is not overly strong from a statistical point of view, it at least suggests that the clinical benefit of ayurvedic oral hygiene product can be comparable to conventional oral hygiene products typically prescribed or recommended by dentists. Ayurvedic medical ingredients often contain chemical compounds with useful biologic properties that could explain the observed clinical benefits. For example, turmeric contains curcumin, a molecule that affects many cellular signaling pathways involved in inflammation and a general reduction in inflammation, oxidative damage and enhanced cell death of damaged or mutated cells (3). Ashwagandha contains Withaferin-A that among other pathways inhibits a key inflammatory pathway (NF-κB) (4) that is also commonly invoked by bacteria involved in gum disease. Ashwagandha also has antimicrobial properties (5), which is a shared trait with at least ten other plant extracts used in Ayurvedic medicine (6). All this suggests that ayurvedic oral hygiene products could indeed have noticeable beneficial effects with plausible mechanisms. None of the scientific research suggests however that ayurvedic medicine in general can cure gum disease.
Ayurvedic oral hygiene products are probably safe given the long history of Ayurvedic medicine and the presence of established brands selling these products. As with any therapeutic product, consumers should watch for signs of unwanted side effects and allergic reactions. Consumers should immediately stop using an ayurvedic oral hygiene product and seek immediate medical care if a body rash, severe swelling or difficulty breathing occurs. Consumers should consult a periodontist if persistent redness, burning sensation, tissue sloughing or other tissue changes happen in the gum tissue after using ayurvedic oral hygiene products. Consumers should avoid sugar (sucrose) containing formulations as they may increase the risk of cavities (caries) or formulations that feel rough and sandy as they could cause severe tooth wear, tooth sensitivity and gum recession.
If interested in using ayurvedic oral hygiene products, seek out expert advice from an ayurvedic practitioner, understand the ayurvedic oral hygiene product you are using and watch out for allergic reactions and other side effects. Use the product as directed and obtain periodic exams and professional tooth cleanings from a trusted dental care provider. If used properly with consistent, appropriate and effective oral hygiene methods and combined with periodic competent professional dental care, ayurvedic oral hygiene products should result in healthy teeth and gums.
About the author:
Tobias K. Boehm, DDS, PhD, MBA, PC, DABP, DICOI, FGDIA is the founder of The Dental Institute, executive director at The Defeating Epilepsy Foundation and a professor at Western University of Health Sciences where he teaches and practices a periodontal specialist.
Sources
(1) Gupta R et al. (2015). Ayurveda in Dentistry: A Review. Journal of International Oral Health 7(8):141-143.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4588782/
(2) Javed D et al. (2023). Ayurvedic and herbal plaque control agents in gingivitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of education and health promotion 12:378 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10744006/
(3) Patel SS et al. (2020). Cellular and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in prevention and treatment of disease. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 60(6):887-939. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2018.1552244
(4) Sultana T et al. (2021). Withaferin A: From Ancient Remedy to Potential Drug Candidate. Molecules 26(24):7696 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8705790/
(5) Subhabrata P et al. (2021). Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): A comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomedical and toxicological aspects. Biomedical Pharmacotherapy 143:112175 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221009598?via%3Dihub
(6) Kumar VP et al. (2006). Search for antibacterial and antifungal agents from selected Indian medicinal plants. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 107(2):182-8 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874106001346?via%3Dihub