Aloe Vera and Dental Health

The Egyptians called Aloe the “plant of immortality” because it can live and even flower without soil. Aloe Vera, well known for its wonderful medicinal properties, is gaining popularity in dentistry because its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant actions are very effective without side effects.

History of Aloe Vera

The name Aloe Vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh” which means bitter shiny substance while “vera” in Latin means true. Greek scholars considered Aloe Vera to be the universal panacea. The history of the Aloe Vera plant goes back to biblical times. Aloe Vera has been used for medicinal purposes in many cultures for thousands of years. Nefertiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their daily beauty ritual.

It is a perennial xerophyte succulent, which develops water storage tissues in its leaves to survive in dry areas. The benefits associated with Aloe Vera have been attributed to the polysaccharides contained in the leaf gel.

Aloe Vera and its health benefits

Aloe Vera, the miracle herb, has been proven to be beneficial for many health problems. Aloe Vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: Vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids. It is a source of 19 of the 20 essential amino acids that our body needs, and these amino acids contribute to the proper functioning of our enzymatic system. 

The other useful benefit of Aloe Vera is its source of vitamins, including A, B, C, E and folic acid. As this plant grows in mineral-rich soil, it becomes a source of calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. Aloe Vera is also considered a good antiviral, antibacterial and antimycotic.

It is also proven to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent with analgesic properties. Aloe Vera has been shown to be beneficial to the skin, thanks to its moisturizing effect. A large number of studies have shown the healing property of Aloe Vera. It has an excellent anti-aging effect by producing collagen and elastin fibers that make the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. 

It promotes cell growth. It is neurologically soothing and also acts as a detoxifying agent. Aloe Vera has been shown to strengthen defense mechanisms and has a variety of components to fight periodontal disease and other oral ailments.

Aloe Vera in dentistry

1. Inflammation and bleeding gums

2. In the roots of devitalized teeth to soothe pain and help disinfection

3. Healing and pain relief in case of small wounds in the mouth,

4. Burns of the oral mucosa

5. In application on the gum after an extraction.

6. Acute oral lesions such as herpes pimples, canker sores, and perlage at the corners of the mouth. 

7. Chronic oral diseases: Lichen planus and benign pemphigus, gum problems associated with AIDS and leukemia, burning mouth syndrome, used as a mouthwash and then swallowed three times a day.

8. Denture patients with sore gums and ill-fitting dentures. Put gel in the appliance before placing it in the mouth. As it is a gel of sticky and viscous nature, it can be used as an adhesive glue for defective dentures. It strengthens the gums, soothes and relieves gum irritation such as sores (ulcers). It has adequate adhesive power in wet and dry conditions.

9. Dental implants, after their installation to help healing or in case of peri-implantitis (inflammation of the gum around the implants).

10. Subgingival administration of Aloe Vera gel in periodontal pockets improves the periodontal condition, a reduction in pocket depth is observed.

11. Aloe Vera is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent. A quarter cup of pure Aloe Vera gel to be dissolved in about 1/2 cup of water or apple juice. Keep it in your mouth for one minute before swallowing it. It reduces bad breath and relieves acidic gastric reflux, which is a cause of dental caries.

12. Mouthwash prevents radiation-induced mucositis through its healing and anti-inflammatory mechanism. It reduces oral candidiasis in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy due to its antifungal and immune modulating properties.

Side effects

It can cause redness, burning, tingling sensations and, rarely, generalized dermatitis in sensitive individuals. 

Orally, Aloe Vera can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, red urine, hepatitis, dependence or worsening of constipation. Prolonged use has been reported to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The laxative effect may cause electrolyte imbalances (low potassium levels). 

Conclusion

Aloe Vera has much to offer in the field of dentistry, many studies are underway to use the effective antimicrobial properties of this miracle plant. In the meantime, it can be found in the composition of certain toothpastes and mouthwashes.