Aloe vera or aloe barbadensis, is a medicinal plant which is a thick short stemmed plant that stores aloe vera gel in its leaves. It is used topically in most of today's skin diseases,sun burns, hair etc.
Studies have shown that aloe vera has its own benefits in oral health as well. Aloe vera contains more vitamins and minerals.
In oral health:
Aloe vera plays an important role in the number of oral conditions. Studies have shown that topical use of aloe vera, 3 times a day for 3 months, is very effective in reducing burning sensation and improving mouth opening.
- Halitosis:
- Aloe vera helps boost the formation of collagen in the body ,which in turn helps strengthen weak and swollen gums.
- Acid digestion in the stomach can cause halitosis, this can be prevented by drinking 1/4th cup of pure aloe vera with 1/2 cup of water ,which prevents acidic digestion in the stomach.
- Aphthous ulcer: It has been reported that topical application of aloe vera accelerates healing of apthous ulcer and reduces pain associated with it.
- Wound healing effects
- Aloe Vera gel contains a glycoprotein with cell proliferation promoting activity, which promotes tissue regeneration and oxygenation, leading to increased blood supply and improved wound healing effects.
- Aloe Vera helps in reducing inflammation of alveolar bone and also helps in healing process and clotting of blood.
- Anti-bacterial property: Aloe Vera gel has antibacterial properties against oral gram positive and negative bacteria.
- Anti-inflammatory property:
- Aloe Vera enhances wound healing process by eliminating bacteria which promotes inflammation.
- Aloe Vera helps control bleeding of gums due to its soothing and healing properties which in turn reduces swelling and soft tissue edema.
- Antiviral property: Aloe Vera has antiviral properties against herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses.
Topical application of Aloe Vera in lichen planus condition, 3 times a day helps control pain and improves overall oral quality of patients suffering from oral lichen planus.
It helps in reducing the burning sensation of mouth in lichen planus and oral submucous fibrosis and improving mouth opening in fibrosis condition.
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