Gingivitis

Why it works: Mechanical plaque disruption & “viscous barrier” effect. Swishing a viscous edible oil can physically dislodge biofilm and leave a thin coating that slows new plaque adhesion on sm...

Instructions: Pick an oil. Traditionally sesame (Ayurveda) or coconut (modern studies). Clinical trials most often use sesame or coconut; if you have seed/nut allergies, avoid that oil. Springer...

Warnings: Do not replace standard care. It’s a supplement, not a substitute for brushing with fluoride, floss/...

Studies: Clinical Oral Investigations (2025 RCT) — 40 adults; 15-min...

Why it works: Antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory actions. Aloe gel contains polysaccharides (notably acemannan) and phenolic compounds that inhibit periodontal bacteria (e.g., P. gingivalis, A. a...

Instructions: 1) Aloe vera mouthwash (most studied). Product: Use a commercially formulated aloe mouthwash (ideally one that lists aloe concentration and manufacturing quality standards).. Dose...

Warnings: Use as an adjunct, not a stand-alone cure. If redness/bleeding persists >2 weeks, or you have pain,...

Studies: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)Children: Aloe mouthwash...

Why it works: Antimicrobial against periodontal bacteria. The key catechin EGCG inhibits growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and other periodontal pathogens, and disrupts b...

Instructions: 1) As a mouth rinse (most studied). Brewed-tea rinse, home-prepared (RCT protocol):. • Steep 1 tea bag in 100 mL warm water (≈40 °C) for 5 min; use 7 mL, swish 1 minute, twice dail...

Warnings: Adjunct only. Do not rely on green tea alone; persistent bleeding/redness ≥1–2 weeks needs a dental...

Studies: Triple-blind RCT (4 weeks) — Home-brewed green-tea mouthwash...

Why it works: Anti-adhesion/anti-biofilm activity. Cranberry’s A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) can stop periodontal bacteria from sticking to teeth and forming biofilms, making plaque easier to...

Instructions: Drinkable regimen (for gingivitis):. • What: “Cranberry functional beverage” (a cranberry-based drink).. • How much/how long: 750 mL per day for 8 weeks, after standard non-surgica...

Warnings: Do not replace proven care. Cranberry is an adjunct. Treating gingivitis still hinges on meticulous...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (gingivitis): Daily 750 mL cranb...

Why it works: Classical indication matches gum signs. Qing Wei San is a classic TCM formula for “Stomach-Heat” rising to the mouth—characterised by sore, swollen or bleeding gums, toothache wors...

Instructions: Classical decoction/powder (clinician-prepared). • Ingredients & proportions (typical): Sheng Di Huang 12 g, Dang Gui 6 g, Mu Dan Pi 9 g, Huang Lian 4.5 g, Sheng Ma 6 g. tcmwiki.co...

Warnings: Not the right pattern: Avoid for tooth/gum pain from Wind-Cold patterns or kidney-deficiency-type gu...

Studies: Clinical observations/RCT-like studies (mostly periodontitis...

Why it works: Pattern logic (TCM): Gingival swelling, bleeding and tooth/gum pain commonly map to Stomach Heat/Fire with Yin deficiency in TCM. Yu Nǚ Jiān is the classic 5-herb formula that clea...

Instructions: Classical composition (raw-herb decoction ranges):. Shí Gāo 9–15(–30) g; Shú Dì Huáng 9–30 g; Mài Mén Dōng 6–9 g; Zhī Mǔ 3–6(–12) g; Huái Niú Xī 3–6(–15) g. sacredlotus.com. Decoct...

Warnings: Pattern mismatch: Yu Nǚ Jiān is cold and Yin-nourishing. Avoid in patients with Spleen/Stomach defic...

Studies: Human clinical evidence (adjunctive use):Randomized, double-...

Why it works: Multi-herb anti-inflammatory + antibacterial synergy. HLJDT contains Coptidis Rhizoma (berberine alkaloids), Scutellariae Radix (baicalin/baicalein), Phellodendri Cortex (berberine...

Instructions: There’s no globally standardized HLJDT regimen specifically for gingivitis. In practice it’s used systemically (granules/decoction) as an adjunct to professional cleaning and daily...

Warnings: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, infants: Avoid—berberine (from Coptis/Phellodendron) is not recommended in...

Studies: Gingivitis-specific (preclinical):Hindawi EBCAM (2018) – Eff...

Why it works: Antibacterial action against oral pathogens. Ethanol extracts of propolis inhibit Porphyromonas gingivalis and other plaque bacteria implicated in gingivitis and periodontitis. Pro...

Instructions: Mouthrinse (most studied):. • 2% propolis rinse, 20 mL, swish 30 seconds, twice daily for 21–28 days in induced or chronic gingivitis models. Deep Blue. • 5% propolis rinse, used t...

Warnings: Allergy / hypersensitivity (most important):. • Propolis is a recognized contact allergen; patch-tes...

Studies: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)2% propolis mouthrinse vs...

Why it works: Collagen + wound healing: Vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis and normal connective-tissue repair; deficiency weakens gingival tissues and capillaries, making gums swell a...

Instructions: Check and fix the basics first. • Maintain twice-daily brushing and daily interdental cleaning; seek a professional cleaning if due. aapd.org. Dietary intake (preferred). • Aim to...

Warnings: Upper limit (UL): The tolerable upper intake level for adults is 2,000 mg/day; higher intakes raise...

Studies: Gingivitis / bleeding reductionRandomized clinical trial (ex...

Why it works: Antimicrobial action (bacteria & biofilm): TTO and its main component terpinen-4-ol disrupt bacterial membranes and inhibit growth of common oral microbes associated with plaque an...

Instructions: Formulation & concentration used in studies: Several clinical trials have evaluated ~0.2% TTO mouthwash over 1–4 weeks, often against chlorhexidine. One 2025 comparative study prep...

Warnings: Never swallow tea tree oil or any TTO rinse. Even small amounts can cause rapid toxicity (CNS depres...

Studies: Randomized & comparative clinical studies0.2% TTO vs chl...

Why it works: Antimicrobial action against oral pathogens. Lab studies show myrrh extracts/oils inhibit common dental bacteria involved in plaque and gingivitis (e.g., Streptococcus mutans; broa...

Instructions: Clinical mouthwash protocol (1% myrrh):. • What: 1% myrrh mouthwash (study formulation).. • How much/how often: Rinse with 15 mL for 1 minute, twice daily.. • Duration: 14 days in...

Warnings: Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid oral use in pregnancy—myrrh may stimulate the uterus and has miscar...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (3 arms): In adults with experim...

Why it works: Antimicrobial action against gum-disease bacteria. Eugenol—the main active in clove oil—shows activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis and other oral pathogens implicated in perio...

Instructions: Spot application to sore gums (short-term only):. • Mix 1 drop clove oil in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) carrier oil (e.g., olive, coconut).. • Dip a cotton swab in the dilution; dab on the g...

Warnings: Mucosal irritation & burns / allergic reactions: Clove/eugenol can cause stomatitis, ulceration, con...

Studies: In-vitro/bench research (mechanism & bugs):Eugenol inhib...