Tooth Decay: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Tooth decay is the progressive destruction of tooth enamel and dentin by bacteria, leading to the formation of cavities or holes.

It is caused by poor oral hygiene, infrequent brushing, and consuming sugary or acidic foods and drinks. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

However, herbal remedies such as neem, clove oil, and calendula can help alleviate tooth decay by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria. To use these herbs safely, consult a dentist and prepare them as directed, avoiding excessive consumption.

Regular brushing and flossing are still essential for maintaining oral health.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of tooth decay, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of tooth decay?

The main causes of tooth decay are bacterial fermentation of carbohydrate residues on tooth surfaces, which produce acid and dissolve tooth enamel.

This process is initiated by Streptococcus mutans, a gram-positive bacterium that adheres to tooth surfaces and feeds on dietary sugars and starches. The frequency and duration of sugar consumption, as well as poor oral hygiene, can exacerbate the accumulation of these bacteria and their byproducts. Additionally, factors such as dry mouth (xerostomia), poor saliva flow, and a diet high in processed sugars and acidic foods can also contribute to tooth decay.

Inadequate fluoride exposure or use of fluoride-containing products can also increase the risk of tooth decay by reducing the enamel's resistance to acid attacks.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of tooth decay due to the failure to regularly brush and floss teeth, allowing bacteria and food particles to accumulate and contribute to the development of plaque, a sticky film that can lead to tooth decay.
• Consuming Sugary Foods: Consuming sugary foods and drinks frequently is a common cause of tooth decay as the bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars and produce acid, which can damage the teeth and lead to cavities.
• Inadequate Fluoride Intake: Inadequate fluoride intake is a common cause of tooth decay as fluoride plays a critical role in the prevention of tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making teeth more resistant to acid attacks.
• Infrequent Dental Visits: Infrequent dental visits can lead to tooth decay as regular dental cleanings and check-ups can help identify and address oral health issues early on, preventing the progression of tooth decay.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition can be a cause of tooth decay as some people may be more susceptible to tooth decay due to their genetic makeup, which can affect the structure and strength of their teeth.
• Acid Erosion: Acid erosion can be a cause of tooth decay as acidic substances can wear away the enamel on teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and cavities.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth can be a cause of tooth decay as a lack of saliva can reduce the mouth's ability to neutralize acids and remineralize teeth, making them more prone to decay.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be a cause of tooth decay as the stomach acid that is regurgitated into the mouth can erode tooth enamel and contribute to the development of cavities.
• Anxiety and Stress: Anxiety and stress can be a cause of tooth decay as they can lead to habits such as teeth grinding and clenching, which can wear away tooth enamel and make teeth more susceptible to decay.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes can be a cause of tooth decay as fluctuations in hormone levels can affect saliva production and tooth enamel, making teeth more prone to decay during periods of high hormonal activity.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for tooth decay?

The main medicinal herbs used for tooth decay are Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Salvia officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Syzygium aromaticum, Aloe barbadensis, Curcuma longa, Commiphora molmol, Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

Melaleuca alternifolia contains tea tree oil which exhibits antimicrobial properties against Streptococcus mutans bacteria responsible for tooth decay. Eucalyptus globulus has been shown to reduce inflammation and combat bacteria that cause tooth decay due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Salvia officinalis, or sage, has been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with tooth decay, while Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress in the mouth.

Curcuma longa, or turmeric, has been found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat tooth decay, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum, or cinnamon, has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria associated with tooth decay, while Aloe barbadensis has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the gums, Echinacea purpurea may reduce the severity of gum inflammation, Commiphora molmol has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that help combat tooth decay, and Syzygium aromaticum, or clove, has been found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe toothache pain and reduce inflammation associated with tooth decay.

• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree oil, helps with tooth decay by exhibiting antibacterial properties, particularly against Streptococcus mutans, a primary contributor to dental caries.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus, also known as blue gum, helps with tooth decay by releasing eucalyptol, an antibacterial compound that inhibits the growth of oral bacteria, thereby preventing the formation of plaque and subsequent tooth decay.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, helps with tooth decay by containing triterpenoid saponins, which exhibit antimicrobial properties, specifically against Streptococcus mutans, thereby reducing the risk of dental caries.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, helps with tooth decay by possessing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with tooth decay, as well as exhibiting antibacterial activity against oral pathogens.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea, also known as coneflower, helps with tooth decay by containing alkylamides, which exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby reducing the risk of dental caries and alleviating symptoms associated with tooth decay.
• Syzygium aromaticum: Syzygium aromaticum, also known as clove, helps with tooth decay by releasing eugenol, a compound with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with tooth decay, as well as inhibit the growth of oral bacteria.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, helps with tooth decay by containing aloe-emodin, a compound with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and prevent the growth of oral bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of dental caries.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, helps with tooth decay by containing curcumin, a compound with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation, prevent the growth of oral bacteria, and alleviate symptoms associated with tooth decay.
• Commiphora molmol: Commiphora molmol, also known as myrrh, helps with tooth decay by releasing terpenoids, which exhibit antimicrobial properties, specifically against oral bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of dental caries and alleviating symptoms associated with tooth decay.
• Cinnamomum zeylanicum: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as cinnamon, helps with tooth decay by containing cinnamaldehyde, a compound with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce pain and inflammation associated with tooth decay, as well as inhibit the growth of oral bacteria.

What are the main herbal preparations used for tooth decay?

The main herbal preparations used for tooth decay are Decoction, Tincture, Capsules, Oil, Powder, Salve, Gel, Tea, Cream, Paste.

Decoction is made by boiling herbs like neem and clove to release their active compounds, which help prevent bacterial growth and reduce inflammation. Tincture is prepared by steeping herbs like calendula in a solvent and is often used as a mouthwash to reduce gum inflammation. Capsules and oil preparations contain herbs like turmeric and myrrh, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce toothache pain and prevent decay.

Other preparations include Powder (containing herbs like activated charcoal), Salve (with herbs like sage), Gel (with herbs like aloe vera), Tea (with herbs like peppermint), Cream (with herbs like tea tree oil), and Paste (with herbs like miswak), all of which have proven to varying degrees to help prevent and treat tooth decay.

• Decoction: A decoction of the plant Echinacea purpurea helps with tooth decay by reducing inflammation and preventing the growth of bacteria that cause dental infections.
• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Melaleuca alternifolia helps with tooth decay by exhibiting antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the extract of the plant Berberis vulgaris help with tooth decay by reducing the bacterial load and preventing the formation of dental plaque.
• Oil: The oil extracted from the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum helps with tooth decay by exhibiting antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• Powder: A powder made from the plant Zingiber officinale helps with tooth decay by reducing inflammation and preventing the growth of bacteria that cause dental infections.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant Calendula officinalis helps with tooth decay by exhibiting antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Aloe barbadensis helps with tooth decay by exhibiting antimicrobial properties and reducing inflammation in the mouth.
• Tea: A tea made from the plant Camellia sinensis helps with tooth decay by exhibiting antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• Cream: A cream made from the plant Plantago major helps with tooth decay by reducing inflammation and preventing the growth of bacteria that cause dental infections.
• Paste: A paste made from the plant Triclosan helps with tooth decay by exhibiting antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay.