Dr. Amrita Das , MDS (Periodontology and Implantology), PhD Scholar Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to a broad range of healthcare practices that fall outside the scope of conventional Western medicine. CAM includes non-conventional methods used alongside (complimentary) or instead of (alternative) mainstream dental treatments. In dentistry, CAM involves using non-conventional methods to prevent, diagnose, manage, or treat oral and dental conditions, often with an emphasis on natural, holistic healing. In dentistry, it is a growing area of research, especially designed to patient interests in natural and holistic approaches. Complementary medicine is used in conjunction with standard dental treatments. Alternative medicine is used instead of traditional approaches (less common and more controversial). There are some key CAM modalities in dentistry:
Herbal Medicines And Phytotherapy
Use of herbal extracts (neem, clove, turmeric, miswak, aloe vera, tea tree oil) etc in :-- Antibacterial mouthwashes
- Herbal antimicrobial mouthwashes are gaining popularity in Complimentary dental medicine. Common ingredients include
- Neem, tea tree oil ,clove ,green tea extract ,aloe vera etc . These may have antimicrobial , anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties ,but more robust clinical studies are needed for many of them.
- Periodontal therapy
- Herbal agents offering anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and healing properties making them useful for managing gingivitis, periodontitis and oral mucosal conditions.
- It helps in reducing plaque, bleeding gums and halitosis
- Alcohol free and suitable for sensitive users
- Topical gels and pastes like turmeric or aloe vera gels applied to gingiva reduce inflammation
- Effective in post scaling applications.
- Traditional yet evidence based
- Use of herbal toothpastes
- Caries prevention
- It reduces bacterial load with herbal rinses oil probiotics
- Inhibits acid production by green tea and xylitol
- Enhances remineralization by nutrients and herbal formulas
- Promotes saliva flow by xylitol ,chewing gums
- Maintains oral ph by alkaline herbs and dietary changes
- Oral ulcer management
- Post extraction healing
Ayurveda In Dentistry
Ayurvedic treatments such as oil pulling , triphala and herbal dentifrices used for enhancing oral health.- Oil Pulling
- Sesame oil (traditionally preferred in Ayurveda)
- Coconut oil (popular in modern practice for its antimicrobial properties)
- Sunflower oil
- Draw out toxins (“ama”) from the body.
- Strengthen teeth and gums.
- Improve oral health and freshen breath.
- Promote systemic health by reducing the body's toxic load
- Reduction in plaque and gingivitis
- Decrease in Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria linked to cavities
- Improvement in bad breath (halitosis)
- Triphala
- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) – rich in vitamin C, supports immunity and digestion
- Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) – detoxifying, supports respiratory health
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) – promotes digestion and elimination
- Aids digestion and elimination
- Acts as a mild detoxifier and laxative
- Supports eye health, skin health, and overall rejuvenation
- Balances gut microbiota, improves Agni (digestive fire)
- Herbal dentifrices
- Neem (Azadirachta indica) – antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) – analgesic, antimicrobial
- Triphala – antioxidant, plaque control
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – anti-inflammatory, anticaries
- Babul (Acacia arabica) – astringent, gum health
- Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) – antibacterial and antifungal
- Miswak (Salvadora persica) – traditional natural toothbrush plant
- Strengthen gums
- Prevent plaque and tartar
- Reduce inflammation (gingivitis)
- Combat halitosis (bad breath)
- Balance the oral microbiome
Homeopathy In Dentistry
Often used for- Dental anxiety
- Dosage: will be typically 6C Or 30C potency taken 1-3 times before the dental visit ,depending on severity
- Form : Small pellets placed under the tongue ,also available in liquid or tablet form
- Timings: best taken at the onset of anxiety or the night before or morning of the dental appointment
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