Most people have heard of chlorhexidine, the most common mouthwash ingredient in the market today. The media would have you believe that this chemical is completely safe, aside from having a powerful antimicrobial effect. However, several clinical studies have suggested that the effectiveness of this chemical in promoting oral health is limited at best.
The controversy surrounding the use of chlorhexidine as a means of promoting oral hygiene has led researchers to look for alternative natural ways – that is, ingredients that can kill bacteria, prevent plaque, and protect the mouth without (or very little) side effects.
The answer may lie in a natural mouthwash containing both green tea and Miswak (Salvadora persica L.). Researchers examined the effects these two items had on plaque formation, following an earlier clinical trial performed by the same team that showed the pair’s efficiency in reducing plaque adherence and bacteria growth in the mouth.
As part of the double-blind, randomized, crossover study, 14 participants were rinsed with: the test formulation (containing 0.25 mg/ml green tea and 7.82 mg/ml Miswak), 0.12 percent chlorhexidine (control group), and a placebo mouthwash for 24 hours. During the trial, participants were rinsed with 15 ml of a randomly allocated mouthwash twice daily without any other type of oral hygiene measure. Then, a plaque index was scored after 24 hours. Participants entered a six-day washout period in which they could perform regular oral hygiene measures. The same protocol was repeated for the next two types of mouthwash.
The results showed that the test mouthwash significantly reduced plaque formation compared to the placebo wash and chlorhexidine rinse. Furthermore, the test mouthwash retained its anti-plaque effect for 24 hours.
Surprisingly, the authors noted that there was no difference in plaque formation in participants who used the placebo and chlorhexidine. This suggests that chlorhexidine may not be useful in promoting oral health.
You’ve probably never heard of Miswak
Chances are, this is the first time you’ve heard of Miswak. Folk healers from Greece, though, have been recommending this shrub to their patients for years. This evergreen plant, which only grows to around four to six meters tall, has green leaves and a white bark. People use the stings and roots to create a chewing stick. This natural toothbrush stick is now recognized by modern science to be an effective way to treat gum inflammation and promote oral hygiene. Most of the available literature on Miswak talks about its high antimicrobial activity, but as this study reveals, the shrub has other medicinal values. Its role, therefore, in maintaining dental hygiene has yet to be fully examined.
That being said, it remains a safe and natural dental remedy that you can use today.
Why this all matters
As repeatedly stated, oral health influences overall health. Taking care of your teeth is not just about having a nice smile and pleasant breath. Dental hygiene also plays a role in:
- Diabetes risk – People with a periodontal disease are twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes compared to those with low or no levels of gum disease.
- Heart disease – There is an independent link between gum disease and heart complications.
- Pregnancy complications – Studies have shown that women who develop a gum disease during weeks 21 and 24 of their pregnancy are four to seven more times more likely to have a premature delivery.
There are so many natural ways to take care of your mouth. Learn more great tips and tricks at Dentistry.news.
Sources include:
BMCCComplementAlternMed.BioMedCentral.com
Please contact us for more information.
