Herbs and Oral Health

There are many natural ways to improve health: a healthy, active lifestyle, a well balanced diet with vitamins, minerals and herbs have shown to be very effective in preventing and even treating many diseases throughout the human body, including oral issues. While they have some benefits, many herbs and supplements can have side effects for your oral health and some may even complicate dental treatment. The list below is a brief list of the most common herbs that may affect your dental care. Most herbs, in appropriate quantities, allow safe dental work to be performed without altering your routine. To be sure, please make sure your Missoula dentist is aware of any and all medications, vitamins, minerals, herbs and supplements you may be taking to avoid any potential complications during your oral procedures.

• Cayenne – interacts with antibiotics, acetaminophen and ibuprofen; increases the risk of bleeding.
• 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.