Studies from multiple dental schools have confirmed that an ancient Ayurvedic herbal remedy called Triphala prevents dental decay by naturally reducing oral bacteria that cause plaque, gingivitis and tooth decay.
What is Triphala?
Triphala, has been used medicinally for intestinal issues, immunity problems and other conditions for thousands of years within the Ayurvedic medical system – the oldest known medical system.
Triphala is made by combining three traditional medicinal herbs: Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica or Emblica officinalis). The name Triphala means “three fruits.” It is often used for stomach and intestinal issues. But now we find it is useful for helping to fight gum disease.
Triphala tested against other antiseptics
In a 2018 study, researchers from India’s Government Medical College and Government Dental College tested five different potential antiseptic products. Their tests were performed in the laboratory using 60 premolar teeth extracted from humans.
The researchers divided the teeth into five groups. They tested the teeth for bacteria colony counts, specifically E. faecalis, a common gum disease bacteria. Then they applied five different agents to the five groups of teeth:
- Distilled water
- Sodium hypochlorite (conventional antiseptic)
- Noni extract (Morinda citrifolia)
- Green tea polyphenol extract
- Ayurvedic Triphala
The researchers tested each group in a laboratory culture autoclave for two days. Then they retested the colony counts for each of the teath and analyzed the results.
Not surprisingly, the distilled water did little to reduce the bacteria, from 948 billion CFUs to 944 billion. Meanwhile, the noni reduced counts from 980 billion to 158 billion. And the green tea polyphenols reduced counts from 980 billion to 57 billion.
Also not surprisingly. they found that the sodium hypochlorite solution was the best at reducing bacteria counts in the teeth. The E. faecalis bacteria was reduced from 939 billion CFUs to 0.67 billion CFUs. But the Triphala came in a close second, reducing bacteria counts from 940 billion CFUs to 16 billion.
The reason why this is significant is because sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is not healthy for the gums. Yes, it can reduce bacteria. But it can also produce inflammation in the gums and has been shown to harm or destroy cells among the tissues. When applied between the gum and teeth it typically causes pain and swelling. Therefore, a more natural antiseptic is preferred.
That’s why these results for Triphala are important.
Triphala tested in clinical study
Researchers from India’s DAPMRV Dental College tested a 6% Triphala mouthwash using 60 student volunteers, aged between 18 and 25 years old. The volunteers were divided into three groups. One group was given the Triphala mouthwash, another group was given a chlorhexidine mouthwash – an antibacterial mouthwash often prescribed by conventional dentists and doctors for gingivitis and other oral infections – and a third group rinsed with water only.
All three groups used their mouthwashes twice a day for seven days.
Before and after the testing period, and two days into the testing period, the subjects were tested for their levels of oral bacteria, specifically the types known to cause periodontal disease, dental decay and gingivitis, such as mutans streptococci. The colony forming units (CFUs) of each were measured and compared.
Those using the Triphala mouthwash had an average 17% reduction in dental decay bacteria after 48 hours, and 44% reduction after seven days. The chlorhexidine group had similar reductions, with an average 16% reduction in dental decay bacteria, with a 45% after seven days. The control group had little change in decay bacteria.
The researchers concluded:
“Triphala has been used in Ayurveda from time immemorial and has many potential systemic benefits. The promising results shown by Triphala call for further investigations of its antimicrobial effects against the numerous oral microorganisms.”
Other Triphala research
This is not the first study that has indicated Triphala’s ability to reduce oral bacteria. In a study from India’s Kannur Dental College, another clinical trial compared Triphala mouthwash with a chlorhexidine mouthwash and two brand name commercial antibacterial mouthwashes advertised as able to inhibit plaque formation.
This study used 30 human subjects that were tested in a crossover design with all four mouthwashes. The study found that the Triphala mouthwash reduced oral decay bacteria similarly to the chlorhexidine mouthwash and one of the brand name mouthwashes.
In another study, this from India’s National Dental College, 50 human subjects were tested. They were given a Triphala-containing mouthwash or a chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. In this study the Triphala-containing mouthwash was found effective in significantly reducing plaque formation among the subjects, at only a slightly less rate than that achieved from the chlorhexidine gluconate. The subjects also preferred the herbal mouthwash to the chemical mouthwash.
This particular mouthwash also contained neem, tulsi, pudina, clove oil and ajwain.
In another study from the DAPMRV Dental College, Triphala mouthwash was found to reduce pathogenic oral bacteria by up to 83% over a 15 day period.
Triphala versus chlorhexidine
There is yet another reason to consider Triphala for helping to reduce dental decay and periodontal disease. That is, besides not having to use sodium hypochlorite treatments. Conventional mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine can also be toxic.
Chlorhexidine has been shown to be toxic to aquatic organisms and has been linked to neurotoxicity and acute toxicity in humans. It is also considered a potential carcinogen. While mouthwash products containing chlorhexidine maintain very small quantities – such as 0.2%, certainly there is reason to avoid such a toxin even in low doses.
In addition, the dumping of chlorhexidine and other chemicals into our waterways through our sinks, toilets, bathtubs and manufacturing facilities can serve to strain our ability to maintain clean drinking water supplies.
Triphala, on the other hand, has been known to provide an array of healthy, medicinal effects. These include having anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, analgesic, adaptogenic and anti-anxiety effects. It has been shown to help prevent cancer from radiation. It has been shown to relieve gastric hyperacidity, constipation and appetite problems. It has been shown to increase wound healing and it has adaptogenic capabilities. Other research shows Triphala helps with gastrointestinal issues.
Sounds like a better mouthwash choice.
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