Strengthening teeth and gums
Miscellaneous suggested herbal, plant and other remedies
As with any page containing herbal treatment suggestions and advice, the reader is reminded of Healing Teeth Naturally's introductory General advice and considerations re using herbal and similar nature-derived remedies to heal, treat or improve one's gums and teeth.
Recommendations by various authors
Comfrey root (Symphytum officinale radix)
Comfrey is a time-honoured treatment for a number of bone-related complaints (as shown by its popular designation "knitbone"). Used topically, it has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves swelling and pain. A widely distributed article even maintains that mouth rinses with comfrey root powder complemented by the regular intake of organic eggshells will make teeth regrow. Be that as it may, according to Wikipedia, scientific research has confirmed that "comfrey can influence the course of bone ailments". An easy way to incorporate finely ground comfrey root powder into your daily dental routine consists in mixing it into your self-made toothpowder (see Toothpaste Alternatives, which also includes a warning re comfrey's possible liver toxicity). For more on eggshells, see Foods rich in Minerals and trace elements.)
Alfalfa leaf, cinnamon bark, turmeric root, yellow dock root
described as good for bones and joints (and hence teeth) when ingested.
Wheatgrass juice
In his "Survival Into The 21st Century" classic, Viktoras Kulvinskas recommends wheatgrass juice for toothaches and healing, which is certainly worth trying if you have it available (wheatgrass can be easily home-grown).
Turmeric
An Ayurvedic tooth and gum formula prescribes mixing 1 teaspoon of turmeric with half a teaspoon of salt, adding mustard oil to obtain a paste-like consistency. Rub into teeth and gums twice a day.
Kombucha tea
Author Rosina Fasching writes in her book "Tea Fungus Kombucha: The Natural Remedy and its Significance in Cases of Cancer and Other Metabolic Diseases" that by regularly drinking kombucha tea one can keep one's teeth free from damage.
Hawthorn berry & bilberry fruit
described as collagen-stabilizers and gum tissue strengtheners.
Eukalyptus
According to a newspaper article I saw mentioned in an internet forum, eukalyptus doesn't allow caries bacteria to live, i.e. by rinsing one's mouth with eukalyptus, caries bacteria cannot proliferate.
Black tea, green tea and oolong tea extract
"In addition to black and green tea, researchers have now discovered another brand of tea which protects against cavities. Oolong tea extract, a half-fermented tea from China, reduces the formation of plaque even in small doses and thus protects against tooth decay."1
Chaparral
Washing your mouth daily with a rinse made from chaparral prevents dental caries.2
Alum, black pepper, rock salt, turmeric root
Mix five parts alum powder, three parts black pepper powder, two parts rock salt powder and one part turmeric root powder and use for massaging your gums.3
Rose petal, oak leaf, and carob powder
To be applied as a gum pack.4
Amla (Ayurvedic herb/fruit)
Said to rebuild oral health and support the connective tissue when used internally and thus helpful to the teeth and gums. Used as a mouthwash or ingested in capsule form (one to two grams daily).
Onion
Rubbing onion over teeth apparently cleans, whitens and strengthens them.
Seaweed
Seaweed deserves a special mention here for its important role in health and healing. See Seaweed.
The following recommendations are owed to Dennis Knicely, D.D.5
Chlorophyll powder
Brushing with chlorophyll powder can halt tooth decay and gum infection.
Strawberries
To strengthen teeth and gums and to help remove tartar, cut a strawberry in half and rub onto teeth and gums. Leave on for 45 minutes and rinse with warm water.6
Rye
Natural fluorine, from rye sprouts or flakes, increases enamel strength.
White Oak Bark
White Oak Bark will help set/tighten loose teeth and is the main ingredient in "Dr. Christopher's herbal tooth and gum powder". A beautiful testimonial tells of a woman whose teeth were loose due to pyorrhea and about to be pulled when "Spirit" led her to a lecture at the moment when the use of oak bark powder (applied between the gums and cheeks during the night to tighten the teeth) was being discussed. After applying this advice, within two weeks, her teeth had tightened and her gums had become firm.7
Horsetail
Strengthens the connective tissues, teeth and bones thanks to its silica content and likely due to biological transmutation. Reportedly heals gum sores.8
Herbal Calcium Formula
Mix equal parts of alfalfa, horsetail, Irish Moss, Lobelia, Oat Straw. A tea can be made or ground herbs put in capsules.
Also compare Miscellaneous tips for healthy teeth and gums and Herbal and plant extracts and other natural gum home remedies, therapeutic rinses and mouthwashs.
Footnotes
1 According to the German-language Wochenblatt newspaper of 17 November 1999
2 according to "Planetary Herbology" by Michael Tierra, Lotus, 1988
3 suggested in "Ayurvedic Beauty Care" by herbalist Melanie Sachs, Lotus, 1994.
4 according to a suggestion found in the "Traditional Healers Handbook" (Healing Arts, 1988) by Hakim Chrishti, N.D.
5 These suggestions formerly appeared in his very interesting article on Healing Teeth Naturally (now published in a modified version at www.healingnews.com/Healing_Teeth_article101.html) listing various natural remedies for teeth.
6 Compare Strawberry and tartar testimonial.
7 For natural gum healing testimonials, also compare Personal experiences & real-life stories, and the powerful oil pulling routine for fixing loose teeth.
8 Note that there are many natural ways to achieve this effect.