We’ve all had a little too much fun in the sun, leaving us scrambling for the bottle of aloe vera gel. But beyond sunburns, what else can this incredible plant do? Is aloe vera actually good for our gums and teeth? Spoiler alert, YES! Keep reading to learn about this natural healer and which dental conditions an aloe vera oral gel can help.
Meet the Amazing Aloe Plant
The aloe plant has been revered since ancient times. Clay tablets from over 4,000 years ago testified to its special healing powers. It has many nicknames, from “lily of the desert” to “Empress of healing plants.” It seems like magic, but it’s actually the 75 active compounds inside aloe vera that aid in keeping us in good health … including our smiles!
5 Dental Conditions That Call for Aloe Vera Oral Gel
#1. Recurrent Canker Sores
Having a canker sore is never fun. But when you get these menacing mouth ulcers on a regular basis, it can really impact your quality of life. Canker sores usually crop up in adolescence or the teen years, and women are twice as likely as men to get them recurrently.
Fortunately, aloe is a great go-to for relief from canker sores. In fact, a double-blind clinical study showed that applying aloe vera oral gel to canker sores significantly decreased ulcer size and discomfort while improving healing time.
Pro Tip: Get to the root cause! For many people, their toothpaste is giving them canker sores, courtesy of a popular foaming ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). By switching to an SLS-free toothpaste, you may notice a drastic difference in the frequency of your cankers.
#2. Gingivitis
Gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums, can creep up on the best of us. It starts with a missed dental appointment here, sloppy brushing there … and, of course, a disregard for the dental floss hiding in the back of the bathroom drawer! Then before we know it, our gums bleed and there’s a noticeable plaque buildup on our teeth.
Because gingivitis (reversible) can progress to periodontal disease (not reversible) if we let it go, it’s important to nip it in the bud quickly. One easy change is to incorporate aloe vera tooth gel into your daily routine. Aloe is packed with potent antioxidants, making it fantastic at protecting the gums from cellular damage and aiding in its repair. It also helps stop plaque buildup, the root cause of gingivitis.
#3. Oral Lichen Planus
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes of the mouth. Most often seen in women over 50, oral lichen planus is marked by lesions that appear as lacy patches of white dots; red, swollen tissues; or open sores. Lesions are most often found on the inside of the cheeks, but can also appear on the gums, tongue and inner lip.
In an 8-week Aloe vera study of 54 patients with oral lichen planus, it was found that 81% had marked improvement using aloe vera oral gel compared to 4% who used the placebo.
#4. Oral Mucositis from Cancer Treatments
Oral mucositis, which causes painful mouth sores, is a common side effect of chemotherapy, affecting 4 in 10 patients. It’s also common in patients receiving radiation therapy in the head or neck areas.
Nutrition is so important to those undergoing cancer treatment, yet when mouth sores become painful enough, it can be difficult to eat and drink. And if mouth sores become infected, they can jeopardize future cancer treatments. That’s why it’s vital to address mouth sores quickly, and better yet, prevent them from forming in the first place.
An aloe study by Oncology Times showed that using a topical oral gel with aloe vera before radiation treatments significantly reduced dry mouth, sores and altered taste.
Pro Tip: Traditional tooth brushing can often be too painful for cancer patients with mouth sores. Applying an oral gel with aloe vera straight to the teeth and gums will give soothing relief while fighting plaque and bacteria. Learn more about oral care after chemo.
#5. Periodontitis
When you have periodontitis (advanced gum disease), deep cleanings are needed to control the infection. Deep cleanings involve scaling and root planing, which clear out plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, getting to the bottom of the tooth pockets.
Aloe vera tooth gel is essential for at-home care following periodontal treatments, which can often cause discomfort. Aloe helps to soothe, neutralize harmful bacteria, and promote faster recovery time.
Best Aloe Vera Tooth Gel
Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel is just what the dentist ordered to get you smiling again, fast! Powerful and proven for superior gum care, this soothing, USA-made aloe vera oral gel is uniquely formulated with calming chamomile, hydrating mint essential oil, and folic acid to aid with tissue growth. Plus it boasts breath-freshening zinc and Oxygene® to fight harmful bacteria and plaque.
Goes the Extra Mile for Your Smile
- TLC for canker sores, cold sores, scrapes from braces, pizza burns, etc.
- Helps soothe tender gums after dental visits
- Neutralizes bad breath during the healing process
- Provides essential hydration to dry, irritated tissue
- Alcohol-free for no sting or burn
- Infused with nature’s natural soothers: Aloe vera, chamomile and essential mint oil
A must-have aloe gel for perio patients! In an independent clinical study of 36 patients with periodontal disease, those who used Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel for 30 days following scaling and root planing had reduced pocket depths of 50.9% and reduced gum bleeding of 88.2%. Those who didn’t use the gel had reduced pocket depths of 27.8% and reduced gum bleeding of 51.1%.
The results are clear: Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel makes a huge difference in the management of periodontal disease and overall oral health. Try it – we know your smile will love it!
P.S. Got a friend with poky braces, cankers or other “ouchies”? Turn their frown upside down and share this post with them.
