Oral and dental health are related to our mouth, gum and teeth. Poor hygiene results in cavities and gum diseases. So, it is essential to care about oral health or else it leads to heart diseases and cancers.
There are some steps that help to keep your teeth and gum healthy:
- Do not smoke
- Brush your teeth regularly
- Use calcium daily
- Drink water instead of sweet drinks
- Limit sugar and sweet food
- Use fluoride
- Use dental floss and mouthwash
Some plants have been used for oral and dental health for a long period of time. Licorice is one of these plants.
Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co. presents some information about licorice effects on oral and dental health in this article.
Licorice
Licorice is a wild plant that is mainly found in south parts of Europe, North Africa and some parts of Asia including Iran. Licorice is a perennial herb which has been consumed in traditional medicine for a long time. Various industries use this plant because of its special features. Confectionery, candy and chocolate, pharmaceutical, food and beverages are among these industries.
Based on Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co.’s surveys, licorice is used for the treatment of digestive and respiratory diseases, toothache, sore throat, as well as skin and hair problems. Licorice contains vitamins B and E and minerals such as potassium and magnesium, sterols, amino acids, isoflavonoid, flavonoid and saponin etc.
Glycyrrhizin is the main component of licorice. It is the agent of sweetness in licorice. It is 50 times sweeter than sugar.
Licorice Effects on Oral and Dental Health
Since licorice has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties, it is proper for dental and oral diseases like: aphthous ulcers, gingivitis, dental caries, periodontitis. It prevents cavity and tooth decay by fighting against special bacteria.
Based on a recent study in the journal of natural products, it is said licorice may prevent tooth decay and gum diseases.
In recent years there is a growing desire to use plant extracts in medicine. Because of licorice properties, it is consumed in toothpaste and mouthwash.
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects gums and tissues that maintain teeth. Using licorice can stop this problem and reduce inflammation.
Based on Preena Sidhu and colleagues research (2018), the components like Licochalcone A, Glabridin, Liquiritigenin and many others are effective in oral and dental diseases such as oral cancer, dental caries and many more.
Licorice components like isoflavonoids are active against the microbes and bacteria that form cavities in teeth. S.mantus is the bacterium which is found in human oral cavity and causes tooth decay. Glycyrrhizic acid in licorice can control this bacterium.
Gargling the mouthwash containing licorice or brushing your teeth with toothpaste or gels that have licorice, is helpful in maintaining your oral and dental health.
Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection in oral cavity. Studies also showed that glycyrrhizin plays an important role in controlling and treatment of this infection. As mentioned earlier, licorice is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
Provided and Edited by: Meysam Shokripour (Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Company
References : iranlicorice.com
Preena Sidhu and colleagues. Therapeutic benefits of liquorice in dentistry. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, (2018).
