Herbs and Oral Health
Herbal medicines and products seem to have made a resurgence and have become an effective treatment option in different healthcare settings. Read below to learn about how herbs affect your oral health.
About The Effects of Herbal Treatment
Herbal medicines and products seem to have made a resurgence and have become an effective treatment option in different healthcare settings. They are being used to prevent and treat various diseases throughout the body and mouth. Some of these herbal extracts are used for reducing inflammation, as antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, antifungals and antibacterials and can be effective in controlling plaque and gingivitis. But while they may offer these benefits, some supplements and herbs can have side effects and may complicate dental treatment.
Below is a list of some of the more common herbs that may affect your dental care. Please make Dr. Duke or his staff aware of all medications, vitamins, minerals, herbs and supplements you are taking to avoid any potential complications during your procedures.
What are The Effects of Herbs On Oral Health?
- Echinacea – interacts with acetaminophen.
- Ephedra – increases risk of bleeding.
- Evening Primrose – increases risk of bleeding.
- Feverfew – interacts with aspirin, increases the risk of bleeding and causes dry mouth (not great for oral procedures).
- Garlic – interacts with acetaminophen, aspirin and anesthetics which increases the risk of bleeding.
- Ginger – interacts with aspirin and increases the risk of bleeding.
- Ginseng – interacts with acetaminophen and aspirin; increases risk of bleeding.
- Ginko – interacts with acetaminophen, aspirin and increases the risk of profuse bleeding, specifically bleeding of the gums or increased periodontal disease issues.
- Goldenseal – interacts with warfarin, increases the risk of bleeding and bruising, lowers blood sugar and increases steroid effectiveness.
- Kava – interacts with general anesthesia, oral sedatives and prescription pain pills which increases sedation.
- Licorice – interacts with aspirin and alters the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure.
- St. John’s Wort – interacts with oral sedatives and increases sedation.
- Saw Palmetto – interacts with aspirin and increases risk of bleeding.
- Valerian – interacts with antibiotics, warfarin, steroids, oral sedatives, anti-inflammatory pills, general anesthesia, and prescription pain pills which then promotes photosensitivity, reduces effectiveness of antibiotics, increases risk for bleeding and increases sedation.
- Cayenne – interacts with antibiotics, acetaminophen and ibuprofen; increases the risk of bleeding.