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DHYG 2301
Aloe Vera is a very common plant used in a variety of skin care products and modern-day
medicines. Deemed the “plant of immortality” by the Egyptians, aloe vera is an ancient herb that
Recently it has been getting a lot of attention in dentistry due to its vast amount of benefits while
having virtually no side effects. Aloe vera can be greatly beneficial in treating gum diseases like
gingivitis, and periodontitis. It reduces bleeding, inflammation, and swelling of the gums. It also
acts as a powerful antiseptic in deep periodontal pockets where normal cleaning can be difficult.
Aloe vera has antifungal properties that can aid in denture stomatitis, aphthous ulcers, cracked
and split corners of the mouth. It can promote healing after extractions, and can also be used in
root canal treatment as a sedative dressing and file lubricant during biomechanical preparation
Patients with periodontitis may benefit from using aloe vera as an aid in scaling and root
planning. A study was shown in which patients with periodontitis underwent scaling with hand
instruments after aloe vera gel was injected into periodontal pockets with a blunt tip needle. The
pockets were filled until the material is visible at the gingival margin. To ensure the aloe vera gel
stayed long enough to be effective in the pocket, a periodontal dressing (Coe pack) was placed
over the treated sites. After placing the aloe vera gel and periodontal dressing, the control site
only received scaling with hand instruments. All subjects were observed after one month and
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three months and then compared to a baseline subject. The aloe vera in test sites resulted in
significant reduction in pocket depths when compared to control subjects. Subjects also observed
relative decrease in gingival and plaque indices by months one and three. Research states that
wound healing with Aloe vera is due to increased blood supply; increased oxygenation, which
stimulates fibroblast activity; and collagen proliferation. Aloe vera also contains vitamins A, C,
E, B 12, and folic acid. Vitamin C, is involved in collagen synthesis, which increases
concentration of oxygen at the wound site because of dilation of blood vessels. Aloe vera
penetrates and dilates capillaries going to an injured site, which improves healing. Because of
studies conducted with aloe vera, it can be concluded that subgingival administration of aloe vera
gel is beneficial for improving conditions of periodontal disease (Bhat, Kudva, and Dodwad
2011).
tongue, lips, or entire oral cavity, but does not manifest as an oral lesion or laboratory test
finding. The exact cause of burning mouth seems unclear and is of idiopathic origins. Oral
burning pain remains the chief symptom of burning mouth syndrome. Most individuals describe
this symptom as burning, tingling, scalding, annoying, tender, or numb feeling of the oral
mucosa, most commonly involving the anterior 2/3rd of the tongue, followed by dorsum, lateral
borders of the tongue, anterior portion of the hard palate, and labial mucosa. Although there
hasn’t been a definitive cure for burning mouth syndrome, studies have been conducted with aloe
vera gel and tongue protectors as a means to reduce pain and promote healing. Topical aloe vera
has clinically been proven to promote healing of burns, psoriasis, and oral lichen planus in
previous studies. Researchers have found that topical application of 0.5 ml Aloe vera gel at 70%
to the sore areas of the tongue three times a day combined with a tongue protector (a transparent,
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low-density polyethylene sheath covering the tongue from the tip to the posterior third) is
effective for reducing tongue burning and pain. (Sun, Wu, Wang, Lin, Chen, Chiang 2013)
While aloe vera may not be able to cure burning mouth syndrome, evidence shows that it is a
powerful antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, when used as a tooth gel it can
effectively clean and sooth teeth and gingival tissue. It is effective at fighting cavities by fighting
the bacteria that can cause them, and in some cases, it can be more effective at fighting certain
strains of bacteria versus some commercial tooth pastes. Aloe vera is a smooth gel that is less
abrasive than toothpaste masking them less harsh on teeth and gingiva for patients with
sensitivity issues (Academy of General Dentistry 2009). Aloe vera is natural anti-fungal and
antibacterial agent. It protects the sensitive tissue in the mouth, kills bacteria as well as fight
tooth decay. Boosts body’s ability to create collagen, which strengthens weak and swollen gums.
It is recommended that taking 1/4 cup of pure Aloe vera gel and dissolving it in about 1/2 cup of
water or apple juice will soothe acid indigestion, which is a very common cause of bad breath. A
study comparing the benefits of chlorhexidine mouthwash versus aloe vera mouthwash found
that aloe vera is equally effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. It is more accessible and a
cheaper herbal remedy than chlorhexidine rinse. (Vangipuram, Jha, and Bhashyam 2016)
Aloe Vera is a promising herb with various beneficial uses in medicine and dentistry. The
possibilities are endless. It shows that Aloe Vera has a potential in dentistry as a therapeutic and healing
agent. Aloe Vera is easily available, convenient and with no adverse effects. Because of how cheap it is,
and availability it proves as a great alternative remedy for a variety of procedures. It can be applied as a
gel, used in a mouth rinse, applied sub gingivally, and applied directly to prosthesis as a cleaning agent.