Condition
General Oral Health
Oral health means keeping your teeth, gums, and the hundreds of bacterial species in your mouth in balance, which matters for more than cavities. The evidence is strongest for Triphala mouthwash, which trials found reduced plaque and gum inflammation about as well as chlorhexidine, a medicated rinse, while aloe vera showed a small improvement in dental health measures. That aloe vera finding came from one small study of 141 people, so it is early.
Sources: PMID 36504087
- Supplements studied
- 4
- Graded outcomes
- 4
- Trials
- 1
- People studied
- 2,000
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis and Plaque Reduction Meta-analysis (7 RCTs): Triphala mouthwash as effective as 0.2% chlorhexidine for plaque-induced gingivitis. RCT (n=90, 60 days): Significant reductions in plaque index, gingival index, and oral hygiene index scores. Triphala superior to aloe vera and equal to chlorhexidine with fewer side effects. Cost-effective alternative with no staining or taste alteration. | Improves (the measure goes down) | Large effect |
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Health Metrics Small improvement in dental health metrics | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 141 people | ||
Studies that measured dental health metrics | ||||||
| Pain No effect | NoneNo effect | 165 people | ||||
Curcumin
- Oral cancer risk
- Oral Lichen Planus Symptoms: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral cancer risk No effect | NoneNo effect | 675 people | ||||
| Oral Lichen Planus Symptoms | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 201 people | |||
Studies that measured oral lichen planus symptoms | ||||||
Elderberry
- Dental Health Metrics: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Health Metrics | Improves (the measure goes up) | 1 study | 64 people | |||
Studies that measured dental health metrics | ||||||
Key findings
- Gingivitis and Plaque ReductionImproves (the measure goes down)
- Dental Health MetricsImproves (the measure goes up)
- Oral cancer risk
The General Oral Health Support protocol
2 primary supplements · 7 supporting supplements
- Oral ProbioticsOral-specific strains (L. reuteri, S. salivarius) 1–2 billion CFU daily; lozenges or chewables preferred
- Vitamin D2,000–4,000 IU daily (target 40–60 ng/mL)
Studies cited
3 studies from PubMed
- A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating of a mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract for prevention of gingivitits.
- Evaluating the efficacy of curcumin in the management of oral potentially malignant disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Effects of Aloe Vera in the Treatment of Oral Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.