Why Turmeric is Fantastic for Oral Health and Hygiene

Oral hygiene is the basic routine one must follow to keep the mouth and teeth free from disorders.

The mouth is the gateway to the alimentary canal which receives food and saliva. Mouth is lined with a mucosal membrane and consists of the oral cavity.

The oral cavity includes the teeth and the gums. The roof of the mouth consists of the hard and soft palate while the base is covered by the tongue.

Salivary glands present near the mouth help to keep it moist and free from infections.

Peridontum comprises the tissues that support the teeth and gums are also referred to as gingiva. Both maxillary (upper) and mandibular(lower) teeth are innervated thus enabling sensations of pain or cold and heat.

The tongue helps to sense taste as well as to chew and swallow food.

Lack of oral hygiene can make the mouth susceptible to disorders or infections like gingivitis, dental cavities, periodonitis, oral cysts, ulcers, oral cancer etc.

Dentists recommend a number of procedures to maintain oral hygiene:

  • Professional teeth cleaning
  • Oral irrigation
  • Plaque removal
  • Flossing
  • Tongue cleaning and gum care

Certain types of food such as green tea, onions, dairy products help balance pH of the mouth, preserve tooth enamel and kill bacteria; whereas food rich in carbohydrates can damage the teeth.

Smoking damages the oral cavity. Certain medications can also reduce the flow of saliva which can lead to an increase in bacterial growth in the mouth.

Diseases like diabetes and HIV reduce one’s immunity and make one susceptible to oral infections. Oral inflammation is also seen as a side effect of chemotherapy.

Cardiovascular diseases, low birth weight, endocarditis, osteoporosis are a few of the diseases linked with poor oral health.

However, the body’s natural defences and good oral hygiene habits can protect an individual from disorders related to the oral cavity.

Benefits of Turmeric in Oral health

Turmeric is a famous curry spice that is used generously by Asians in their food as well as a medicine.

Turmeric belongs to the ginger family and turmeric powder is obtained from its rhizome. Curcuminoids is a class of compounds found in turmeric powder that are strong antioxidants and they are responsible for the bright yellow color of the spice.

Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid that demonstrates the pharmacological properties of turmeric.

The volatile oil fraction of turmeric gives the spice its flavourful aroma and also contributes to the therapeutic properties.

Turmeric possesses a number of properties of clinical significance such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial etc.

Research studies suggest that these properties can be of use in dental problems and diseases related to the mouth.

Why Turmeric is Great for Your Teeth

1. Turmeric and Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mild inflammation of the gums characterized by swelling and irritation.

Plaque is a film of bacteria that grows on the teeth and another surface of the mouth.

A study was performed to compare the effect of turmeric mouthwash to that of standard treatment-chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in treating gingivitis and plaque.

Subjects of the age group 25-35 years participated in this study. Their plaque and gingivitis index score was measured at 0, 14 and 21 days. Significant reduction in plaque index and a microbial count was observed in both groups. No difference in the gingival index was seen in either group.

However, chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash was more effective when the antiplaque property was considered.

What it means: Nevertheless it is important to note that turmeric mouthwash is as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash and can be used as an adjunct and low cost measure to control plaque.

2. Turmeric for  Periodontitis

Periodontitis is inflammation of tissues supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to loosening and loss of teeth.

It is primarily caused by the accumulation of bacteria at the gum line. The line of treatment followed includes the following procedures:

  • Scaling: removal of tartar and bacteria from the teeth and gum line
  • Root planning: smoothening of roots surfaces to prevent the future build-up of plaque.

However, the treatment is invasive and requires multiple visits, use of local anesthesia and antibiotics.

A study was conducted to compare the effect of turmeric gel along with Scaling and Root planning (SRP) and the effect of SRP alone on the plaque, gingivitis and other factors pertaining to periodontitis.

30 patients participated in this study wherein certain parts of the affected sites of their mouth were treated with SRP alone and some with turmeric gel and SRP.

Significant reduction in recorded parameters was seen in both groups but turmeric gel combination brought about greater reduction than SRP alone. This effect can be due to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial property.

3. Turmeric for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is the cancerous growth of cells in the mouth.

Use of tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of oral hygiene, etc. are some of the factors that can lead to oral cancer.

Curcumin possesses anti-cancer property and it is effective in controlling and terminating cancerous growth. China Medical University investigated the effect of curcumin on drug-resistant oral cancer cell lines.

Considering the limitation of poor bioavailability, a special formulation of curcumin was prepared.

Curcumin brought about cell death in oral cancer cells; however, it was not toxic normal human gum cells and other cell types found in the normal human cavity.

Curcumin modulated the activity of multiple drug resistance protein-1 (protein that confers resistance to routine treatment and enhances survival potential of cells) and stimulated the production of reactive oxygen studies in cancerous cells leading to cell death.

Nanoparticle formulation of curcumin can thus serve to be therapeutic in drug-resistant oral cancer.

Turmeric’s role as an anti-cancer is well known. It is no surprise it can help in oral cancer too.

4. Turmeric for Oral Submucosal Fibrosis

Oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF) is a disease in which tissue comprising the lining of the mouth hardens and changes in the composition of the muscle connecting the mouth increase difficulty in opening the mouth and affect activities like eating and swallowing.

Patients suffering from this condition are at increased risk of developing oral cancer. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of curcumin is responsible for its chemopreventive action.

A research study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric treatment for oral submucosal fibrosis.

30 patients participated in this study and they were split into four groups based upon the extent to which they could open their mouth.

Each patient was administered curcumin tablet containing 300mg curcumin and 5mg piperine thrice daily for 1 month.

Patient’s mouth opening and burning sensation were recorded.

Results from the four groups indicated that mouth opening improved in the range of 0.7-5.1% whereas burning sensation reduced by 66-83%.

If overall improvement is considered turmeric did not affect mouth opening but significantly reduced burning sensation.

It was concluded that turmeric has a therapeutic effect on individuals suffering from oral submucosal fibrosis but further research is required.

A similar study was performed at Government Dental College, Trivandrum, India wherein forty-eight patients were split into 3 groups.

Each group was administered only one of the following drugs: curcumin(daily dose of 1 gram), turmeric oil(daily dose of 600mg) and standard treatment tablets (daily dose of 1 gram).

Patients were evaluated every 15 days for 9 months. Groups receiving turmeric showed the significant reduction in burning sensation and intolerance to spicy food within 3 months of treatment.

These groups also reported complete relief from pain and demonstrated a significant increase in mouth opening. None of these effects were observed in the control group.

Curcumin brought about quick changes whereas turmeric oil had a slow but long term effect and it even reduced the lesions.

Results of this study indicate that both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of turmeric make it a potential candidate to treat OSMF.

5. Turmeric for radiation-induced mucositis

As mentioned previously, oral mucositis or inflammation of the mucosal layer lining the oral cavity occurs as a side effect to radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

80 patients who were receiving chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer participated in a study which was designed to investigate turmeric’s effect on radiation induced mucositis.

40 patients were given turmeric mouthwash and the other 40 were administered povidone-iodine treatment for comparison.

Based on results recorded over 7 weeks, it was observed that turmeric mouthwash prevented and reduced radiation-induced oral mucositis.

Turmeric mouthwash also reduced the incidence of intolerable mucositis, reduced changes in body weight and prevented breaks in treatment.

It was concluded that gargling with turmeric during treatment of head and neck cancer can prevent and reduce radiation induced mucositis.

6. Turmeric for toothaches, swelling, etc.

Apart from serving as a herbal remedy, turmeric finds its use in different forms in dental problems. Dental plaques are not visible to the naked eye.

They are generally stained with dyes so as to spot their location for removal. A dental plaque detection system has been designed wherein the staining agent contains turmeric extracts and curcumin and light emitting apparatus is used.

The apparatus emits light at a particular wavelength which helps to identify the plaque.

Sealants are an artificial coating applied to the teeth to protect them from decay. They are applied to pits- hollow regions and fissures- grooves of the back teeth.

Turmeric extract is one of the colorants used in preparing a sealant which is generally composed of plastic and one colorant.

Turmeric, due to its anti-inflammatory property, can be applied locally or taken as an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat aching gums or teeth.

How to use Turmeric for Dental Problems

Here are some easy to follow ways to use turmeric for dental health:

1. Massaging aching teeth with roasted, ground turmeric can help reduce pain and swelling.

2. Prepare turmeric water by boiling 5g of turmeric powder, two cloves and two ground leaves of guava in 200g water. Let it cool. Rinsing the mouth with this water can provide instant relief from dental problems.

3. Prepare a paste by mixing 1 tsp of turmeric with ½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp of mustard oil. Rub this paste twice daily on gums and teeth for relief from gingivitis and periodontitis.

4. To prepare a gum pack wet a pinch of turmeric powder in water or in Vitamin E oil and apply it at night to the affected areas. One can also roll this paste in gauze and tuck it in the mouth.

5. Applying the powder of burnt turmeric pieces and bishop’s weed seed (also known as ajwain ) on teeth and cleaning them helps strengthen gums and teeth.

Former sufferers of dental and gum problems recommend brushing teeth with turmeric powder as it has cured their problems of bleeding gums, periodontitis and bad breath.

However turmeric stains the teeth yellow, so it is advisable to follow this routine with regular toothpaste.

Dosage

This dosage section is for oral use of turmeric.

Turmeric incorporated in the diet is the safest way of consuming it.

However, due to low bioavailability, it is advised to add a dash of black pepper to turmeric preparations before consuming them. Read More on black pepper here

Turmeric supplements are available in the form of capsules containing powder, tincture or fluid extracts.

The recommended dosage is as follows:

  • Cut roots: 1.5-3 g per day
  • Powdered roots: 1-3g per day
  • Standardized powder of curcumin: 400-600mg 3 times a day.
  • Fluid extract with 1:1 concentration: 30-90 drops per day
  • Tincture of 1:2 ratio : 15-30 drops 4 times a day

Read my detailed article on dosage here

Research Studies

Precautions

Turmeric as a spice is very safe to use.

However one must be careful with turmeric supplements as it is a concentrated form of curcumin and may contain other components which are included to enhance its availability in the body.

Inappropriate dose or allergic reactions from supplements can affect one’s health; so it is advisable to take turmeric supplements as per a health practitioner’s recommendation.

Few of the conditions under which one should avoid turmeric supplements are:

  • Pregnancy & Lactation
  • Diabetes (if one is consuming blood thinning medications)
  • Prior to surgery
  • Gall bladder disorders
  • Bile passage obstructions
  • Gastrointestinal disorders

If consuming medications that reduce stomach acid and/or blood thinning agents.

Stay Healthy!

37 thoughts on “Why Turmeric is Fantastic for Oral Health and Hygiene”

  1. I HAVE oral lichen PLANUS and read that TURMERIC can help. It DIDN’t give THe mouth rinse recipe though AND so Id like go know it anyone can give me one with ground turmeric. Please and thank you

    Reply
  2. Hello! Do you have a recipe for cheek swelling?? My mom woke up swollen and seems to have scratched the upper gum inside mouth. Now she has a swollen right cheek. Please, any advice is greatly appreciated!

    Reply
    • Hi. She could apply organic turmeric powder mixed with coconut oil or honey (honey may cause some burning sensation initially) to the upper gums or inner cheek. She can apply it 2-3 times a day. This could help only in case of mild conditions. Please consult a dentist as well.

      Reply
  3. Hi, I just recently noticed my 4 year old daughter has a gum boil. For her age is tumeric and salt water safe to use as a rinse? It’s Saturday and I can’t get into a dentist at the moment. I just want something to help her until then.

    Reply
    • Hi. Turmeric is safe for a four year old. Turmeric mixed with coconut oil benefits in oral health conditions as a preventive measure and this may help it from getting worse till you meet the dentist. Curcumin in turmeric is insoluble in water so the rinse may not be of much help.

      Reply
  4. Hi, i’ve just been advised by my dentist that i have a wisdom tooth coming through and the xray shows an area around it that looks like a cyst – they believe it is most likely a Dentigerous cyst however they have advised i have to travel to see an oral surgeon to have a consult and then get a biopsy to make sure it is nothing more sinister. I am personally keen to rub it with turmeric paste to see how it goes – your thoughts? I make turmeric paste according to Doug English’s recommendations and take it twice daily, 1 teaspoon at a time. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Application of the turmeric paste to affected areas in oral health conditions does deliver some great results in terms of reducing inflammation and pain and supporting healing. Theoretically it should help with the symptoms but we aren’t really sure if these properties would be applicable for this dental condition. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  5. I just heard that there is a dentist who developed a toothpaste that has turmeric in it. Very eager to see it on the shelf !

    Reply
  6. I plan to make a paste for a slight gum issue I have at the moment. I’ll mix equal amounts if coconut oil and turmeric powder, and perhaps add a few drops of clove oil and store in the fridge.

    I will regularly rub a small amount of the mixture directly onto the gum margin using my finger, and just leave it, like a topical ointment.

    Reply
    • Hi Ella. That is an excellent and safe home remedy. Ensure that the clove oil is well diluted in coconut oil as it is extremely spicy. Do update us with your results.

      Reply
    • Hi. You can simply boil turmeric in water and cool the extract and use it as a mouthwash. However if radiation therapy is involved we would also suggest using the Golden Paste in addition to the mouthwash so as to strengthen the body and fight any adverse effects.

      Reply
  7. is a coconut oil, baking soda, turmeric mixture safe to use everyday and as a complete replacement of toothpaste entirely or should I still use toothpaste as well?

    Reply
    • Hi. This would depend on personal experience and choice. Turmeric and coconut oil is great for dental and oral health and adding baking soda helps in better cleansing but it depends on you whether you would like to replace toothpaste entirely with these components.

      Reply
    • Very true.I had loose tooth n gum swelling n it took it away.I put ba king soda n ginel powder in my tooth paste.n sometimes coconut oil to it mkes ur teeth shine n gets rid off bateria in gums as well.for gum inflamation I dip my finger in tumeric n rub it 9n my gums.needed no antibiotics.

      Reply
    • Turmeric is generally known to aid in teeth whitening but yes it can mildly stain your teeth which should fade away in no time.

      Reply
  8. So i am on Ppi medicines and also using Himalaya Arjuna. As per your precautions , i cannot use turmeric. so what are my alternative nos

    Reply
  9. I use turmeric but know that it contributes and exacerbates gall stones. How can I overcome this while continuing with the turmeric?

    Reply
    • Turmeric does not contribute or exacerbate gall stones. It causes gallbladder contraction which is painful if gallstones are present. However this occurs only at high doses of turmeric.

      Reply
  10. Timely article for me! Just yesterday I decided to mix up my own coconut oil toothpaste. Hummm, so I just used my imagination. I didn’t measure but here are approximate amounts:

    4 TBSP Coconut Oil (Tropical Traditions, organic)
    1 TSP Baking Soda (Bob’s Red Mill)
    1 TSP Sea Salt
    1 TSP Turmeric Powder (Frontier)
    1 TSP Liquid Minerals (Trace Minerals)
    and then . . . . da da da
    1 Capsule of a Florastor probiotic (emptied of course) Any probiotic would do.

    I mixed in a small glass jar and put in a small plastic spoon to spread on tooth brush..Of course, I didn’t want to dip toothbrush into my mixture!

    AND THEN, I thought to myself “wouldn’t this make a great facial too?”. So ~15 minutes before my shower, I took about 1/2 TSP and rubbed well all over my face, concentrating on problem areas (like little wrinkles and blackhead prone areas). I rinsed face in the shower but didn’t use wash cloth to scrub off as the scrubbing had already been done. Face left feeling soft and clean!

    Reply
  11. Turmeric can be used to whiten teeth, too. It seems weird, because turmeric is famous for staining everything, but for some reason, it can be used to whiten teeth! Its true! My daughter and I tried it and the results were striking – more effective than whitening strips that I have used on occasion in the past. And, without the chemicals, stinging, or occasional tooth pain. It doesn’t leave your teeth with an unnatural bleached look, but with a natural, clean, healthy white appearance. It removes the yellow appearance that can accumulate over time.

    I found this recipe online. It’s very simple: put a small amount of powder on moistened tooth brush and brush as you would normally, but do not rinse. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes, then brush with your normal toothpaste as usual. The yellow will be reduced significantly. If you don’t notice a huge difference, repeat the process over the next few days. The results will be amazing, and you’ll never use any tooth whitening products again!

    The only down side is that it will stain your toothbrush yellow, but as the author of the website said, “I’d rather have a yellow toothbrush than yellow teeth.”

    Reply
  12. suggest consider adding a “healthy fat” such as coconut oil or milk when consuming turmeric and black pepper.

    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/09/21/golden-milk.aspx

    Also at this link go to #3 at the end see recipe. I do this and add black pepprt – after straining to remove some of the residual powder add coconut oil or coconut milk and blend briefly while still hot to emulsify.

    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/05/04/curcumin-turmeric-benefits.aspx

    Reply
  13. I mixed 6 teaspoons of turmeric with a tablespoon of organic coconut oil and applied to tooth and relief was instant! Thank you so much for your help.

    Reply

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