Mouth ulcers and gum health

Jaborandi

Pilocarpus microphyllus

Oral pilocarpine tablets (Salagen) are approved for dry mouth after head-and-neck radiotherapy and in Sjögren's syndrome. In a 12-week trial of 373 Sjögren's patients, 5 mg four times daily improved dry mouth and dry eyes and increased saliva flow two- to three-fold; sweating was the commonest side effect.

Lemon

Citrus x limon

Scurvy, whose signs include bleeding gums, bruising and weakness, is vitamin C deficiency; citrus juice prevents and cures it. Sailors used oranges and lemons for centuries, and the British Navy adopted citrus about half a century after Lind's 1747 trial.

Sweet orange

Citrus x aurantium

Scurvy, whose signs include bleeding gums, easy bruising and weakness, is caused by lack of vitamin C. Citrus fruit cures and prevents it: James Lind compared six treatments in a controlled trial in 1747, and adequate vitamin C completely prevents and cures the disease.

Common thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Thymol, the main phenol of thyme oil, is one of four essential oils in some antiseptic mouthrinses. A meta-analysis of 29 six-month trials, all industry-sponsored, found these rinses added to brushing reduced gingivitis by about 16% and plaque by about 28%. This is evidence for the product, not for thyme tea.

Toothbrush tree

Salvadora persica

A 2019 meta-analysis found Salvadora persica mouthrinses significantly reduced plaque and cariogenic bacteria (streptococci, lactobacilli) versus placebo, though less than chlorhexidine; a 2026 systematic review of 31 studies found miswak reduced plaque and gum inflammation about as well as conventional toothbrushes. A 2024 two-week RCT in 60 women found plaque control similar to toothbrushing but higher gum scores, possibly from overly vigorous use.

Ajwain

Trachyspermum ammi

In a randomised trial in 108 children with gingivitis, a mouthwash of ajwain plus Achyranthes aspera was non-inferior to chlorhexidine for plaque and gum scores and reduced periodontal bacteria. The effect of ajwain alone is unknown.

Aleppo oak

Quercus infectoria

Used traditionally for tonsillitis and dental and gum problems. In a randomised trial in 110 schoolchildren, a Unani mouthwash containing the galls with three other herbs was comparable to chlorhexidine for plaque and gum scores over 30 days. Effect of the galls alone is untested.

American skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

A chewing gum combining skullcap with Cistus × incanus improved gum bleeding and gingival indices over 3 months versus placebo in 60 adults; skullcap's own contribution is unknown.

Amur cork tree

Phellodendron amurense

Honey-processed bark is used in Chinese practice for mouth ulcers. In a clinical trial in 152 people, a toothpaste containing 0.05% bark extract reduced gum inflammation and redness over 4 weeks.

Apple of Sodom

Calotropis procera

In a randomised trial in 60 children aged 9–12, a mouthrinse made with C. procera extract reduced plaque over 14 days about as well as chlorhexidine, with better taste acceptance. A small single study of a formulated extract; raw latex applied to the gums has caused chemical burns.

Aromatic ginger

Kaempferia galanga

Used in Indonesia for recurrent mouth ulcers. A 0.5–4% rhizome extract reduced inflammatory markers (COX-2, NF-κB) in rat mouth ulcers and did not irritate egg membranes or rabbit skin; no human trials were found.

Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis

A systematic review of six small randomised trials (336 people) with burning mouth syndrome found asparagus capsules or oral liquid, alone or with standard drugs, improved pain and symptom scores; certainty of evidence was low.

Betel

Piper betle

A 2026 systematic review of trials of natural products in gum (periodontal) treatment included one single-blind Indian RCT (60 patients, 2021) in which a 2% Piper betle rinse controlled plaque and gum inflammation about as well as chlorhexidine. Laboratory studies show activity against Candida and Streptococcus mutans.

Bibhitaki

Terminalia bellirica

Several clinical studies of triphala (of which bibhitaki is one third) suggest it reduces dental plaque and gingivitis; it is unclear whether it is as effective as chlorhexidine (MSK). Not tested alone.

Bridelia

Bridelia ferruginea

In western Nigeria the bark is used for oral infections including oral thrush, and bark extract with lime juice forms the traditional gargle 'Ogun efu'; stem-bark extract inhibited clinical oral bacteria in vitro.

Chinese licorice

Glycyrrhiza uralensis

NCCIH, whose fact sheet covers G. uralensis among other species, reports that a liquorice mouth rinse or gargle might reduce the size and pain of recurrent canker sores.

Copaiba

Copaifera officinalis

In a 75-person randomised trial a copaiba oil gel reduced tooth sensitivity after bleaching about as well as a standard potassium nitrate–fluoride gel. A systematic review found only rat studies of oral wound healing and called for clinical trials.

Coriander

Coriandrum sativum

Leaf decoctions are a traditional remedy for mouth ulcers. In a 2-week randomised trial in 27 people with periodontitis, a coriander essential-oil mouthwash did not change the salivary microbiome detectably compared with water, unlike chlorhexidine; clinical outcomes were not measured.

Cutch tree

Senegalia catechu

Katha and root paste are traditional applications for mouth ulcers and the wood is used as a chew stick. In one small trial of 60 young children with early caries, an A. catechu mouthrinse for 16 days lowered salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts, similar to a commercial herbal rinse; clinical outcomes were not measured.

Devil tree

Alstonia scholaris

In a randomised trial in 60 children aged 9–12, an A. scholaris mouthrinse twice daily for 14 days reduced plaque about as well as chlorhexidine, with no significant difference between groups.

Dong ling cao

Isodon rubescens

In a single-arm phase II study, 38 people with nasopharyngeal cancer took Isodon drop pills during chemoradiotherapy; 26% developed grade 3 oral mucositis, against 54% reported in the literature for routine care. There was no control group.

East Indian globe thistle

Sphaeranthus indicus

In the lab, ethanol extracts of the aerial parts, leaves and flowers inhibited four bacteria that cause gum disease (including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum). No clinical studies.

European goldenrod

Solidago virgaurea

Infusions are used as a mouth rinse in folk medicine. In one double-blind randomised trial in 66 healthy adults, a toothpaste with goldenrod extract lowered total plaque bacteria and Candida albicans over 4 weeks, but plaque and gum scores improved in the control group too.

Felty germander

Teucrium polium

In a small double-blind crossover trial in 22 dental students, a mouthwash containing an aqueous T. polium extract lowered salivary Streptococcus mutans counts compared with the same mouthwash without it.

Fingerroot

Boesenbergia rotunda

Fresh rhizomes are used in folk medicine for tooth and gum disease. In 120 head-and-neck cancer patients having radiotherapy, mouthwashes containing fingerroot (or Clinacanthus nutans) worked about as well as saline-bicarbonate rinse at preventing mouth sores. In a later trial of 56 patients having chemoradiotherapy, a fingerroot gargle was followed by fewer mouth sores than no gargle (30.4% vs 41.1%).

Fire-flame bush

Woodfordia fruticosa

In 100 people with poorly controlled diabetes who wore dentures, a leaf-extract mouthwash reduced Candida colony counts after 1 hour and 1 week; the trial compared it with a pomegranate mouthwash, not placebo. In a similar trial in chronic periodontitis, the pomegranate mouthwash lowered a salivary inflammation marker more than the Woodfordia one.

Fukien tea tree

Carmona retusa

The Department of Health's traditional-medicine institute (DOH-PITAHC) endorses tsaang gubat for oral care: dental pain, gum inflammation and general oral health. In a 1995 school study, children drank one cup of the boiled leaf tea daily for 17 months, and caries incidence fell by 75.67%. That study's design and controls are not clear from its abstract.

Garden strawberry

Fragaria x ananassa

Folk use as a gargle for inflamed mouth and throat. A pilot study cited by EMA (60 patients) found a strawberry-leaf gel reduced pain of minor mouth ulcers compared with a plain gel; it was published only as a thesis abstract.

German chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Small studies suggest chamomile mouthwashes may ease mouth inflammation caused by radiation or chemotherapy. EMA lists traditional use for minor mouth ulcers.

Guava

Psidium guajava

In a 3-week placebo-controlled trial (70 people), a leaf-decoction mouthwash reduced gingival inflammation. A 2019 trial (60 people) tested a 0.15% guava-leaf rinse against chlorhexidine and placebo as an add-on to professional cleaning for gingivitis.

Gum arabic

Senegalia senegal

Trials reviewed in 2023, including one of a gum arabic mouthwash, reported effects on plaque and gingival scores and on caries-related bacteria, without oral side effects.

Gum arabic tree

Vachellia nilotica

In a randomised placebo-controlled trial, a commercial gel containing the plant reduced gingival and plaque scores in chronic gingivitis without staining teeth; a 50% mouthwash cut salivary Streptococcus mutans counts by about 85% at 30 days, similar to chlorhexidine, in high caries-risk volunteers.

Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan)

Terminalia chebula

Several small randomised trials found Triphala mouthwash (0.6–10%) comparable to chlorhexidine for plaque and gingivitis in children and young adults; haritaki rinses reduced salivary streptococci for about 3 hours.

Herb bennet

Geum urbanum

Root infusions and decoctions are used externally to reduce bleeding and inflammation of the gums. Root extracts and their main ellagitannin, gemin A, reduced oxidative burst and inflammatory mediator release by stimulated human neutrophils in vitro, which the authors relate to gingivitis and periodontitis.

Hyacinth orchid

Bletilla striata

In a randomised trial of 80 people with plaque-induced gingivitis, a toothpaste combining Bletilla striata with Litsea cubeba reduced plaque and gum-bleeding indices and IL-1β in gum fluid more than a control toothpaste at 8 and 12 weeks. The effect of Bletilla alone cannot be separated.

Kānuka

Kunzea ericoides

In a small feasibility trial (19 patients), gargling with 2 drops of a 1:1 mānuka/kānuka oil mix in water delayed radiotherapy-induced mouth inflammation (mucositis) and reduced pain compared with water; too small to be conclusive.

Knotgrass

Polygonum aviculare

In an uncontrolled study, 60 dental students who rinsed twice daily for 2 weeks with a Mexican 'sanguinaria' (P. aviculare) extract and did not brush showed a small fall in gingivitis scores, while plaque increased.

Lemon myrtle

Backhousia citriodora

Leaves were chewed for oral care; a leaf extract inhibited glucosyltransferase enzymes of the tooth-decay bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the lab (title only).

Lingonberry

Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Six small human studies, five using fermented lingonberry juice as a mouth rinse, reported lower Streptococcus mutans and Candida, less plaque and gingivitis and lower periodontal inflammatory markers; one case series described long remissions of oral candidiasis. Most trials are small and from one research group.

Liquorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

NCCIH reports that a liquorice mouth rinse or patch may reduce the size and pain of canker sores (aphthous ulcers), based on small studies.

Mangosteen

Garcinia mangostana

Small studies suggest mangosteen products help as add-ons to periodontal treatment and for bad breath.

Mānuka

Leptospermum scoparium

Small studies suggest benefits of mānuka honey for gingivitis and oral hygiene; mānuka oil is being developed for gum disease.

Myrtle

Myrtus communis

A paste of boiled leaf extract applied for 6 days reduced ulcer size and pain in recurrent aphthous stomatitis versus placebo; combination gels and mouthwashes with myrtle helped children's mouth ulcers and gingivitis.

Neem

Azadirachta indica

A 2017 systematic review found only three short (2–4 week) trials of neem mouthrinse against chlorhexidine for plaque and gingivitis; they reported similar results but were poorly reported with unclear risk of bias, so no firm conclusion is possible.

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

In an uncontrolled 4-month study of 30 adults with periodontitis, a daily oregano essential-oil gel was followed by fewer periodontal bacteria and better probing depth, bleeding and plaque scores. No control group.

Pomegranate

Punica granatum

WHO lists the rind for gingivitis; one small study of a rind-extract mouthwash in 80 volunteers measured oral bacteria, not clinical outcomes.

Porcupine flower

Barleria prionitis

In a double-blind randomised trial in 30 students, a 50% bark-extract mouthwash used for 3 days reduced plaque. The difference from 0.12% chlorhexidine was not statistically significant, though chlorhexidine did slightly better. The trial was very short and small.

Prickly chaff flower

Achyranthes aspera

In a randomised non-inferiority trial in 108 children with plaque-induced gingivitis, a mouthwash of Achyranthes aspera plus ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) was not inferior to 0.2% chlorhexidine for reducing gum inflammation and plaque over 21 days, and both cut counts of two gum-disease bacteria compared with placebo. The effect of A. aspera alone was not tested.

Resurrection bush

Myrothamnus flabellifolia

Recorded as a traditional treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis. A polyphenol-rich extract (100 µg/ml) roughly halved adhesion of the gum-disease bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis to cultured cells and damped inflammatory signalling; this is cell-culture work only.

Sesame

Sesamum indicum

Oil pulling (swishing oil in the mouth) is a traditional oral-hygiene practice. In an 8-week randomised trial in 40 people with gingivitis, daily 15-minute pulling with sesame-based oil reduced plaque and gum bleeding, but no more than rinsing with distilled water. An earlier meta-analysis of 21 trials reported a probable gum-health benefit but very low-quality evidence.

Sheng ma

Actaea cimicifuga

Mouth and tongue sores are a Pharmacopoeia indication. A Cimicifuga-containing oral-ulcer powder sped healing in rats; human evidence is limited to clinical reports of formulas.

Snake grass

Clinacanthus nutans

In a randomised double-blind trial in minor recurrent aphthous ulcers, the extract in Orabase shortened ulcer duration compared with placebo, but triamcinolone acetonide worked best.

Spanish cherry

Mimusops elengi

Used in Ayurveda to arrest bleeding gums, and in Myanmar a bark decoction (with Phyllanthus emblica bark) is held in the mouth for thrush, inflamed gums and gingivitis. Methanol extracts inhibited endodontic bacteria (most active against Enterococcus faecalis) in vitro, and an extract was non-toxic to human gingival fibroblasts; a bark mouth rinse is reported to reduce plaque and gingivitis, but no high-quality trials were found.

Sumac

Rhus coriaria

In a triple-blind trial of about 60 people with minor mouth ulcers, a sumac gel healed ulcers faster and reduced size and pain more than a triamcinolone paste or placebo. A single small trial; the authors call for confirmation.

Sweet basil

Ocimum basilicum

In a double-blind trial of 70 adults with plaque-induced gingivitis, a 30% basil mouthwash used with toothbrushing for 21 days was non-inferior to 0.2% chlorhexidine for reducing gum inflammation and plaque.

Syrian oregano

Origanum syriacum

Essential oils from three Lebanese populations killed Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, organisms found in denture stomatitis, in the test tube; carvacrol was the most active constituent. The authors propose a clinical trial; none has been reported.

Tiger milk mushroom

Lignosus rhinocerotis

In a very small randomised trial (21 adults) of minor aphthous mouth ulcers, a TM02 oral gel used three times daily for 7 days showed favourable but non-significant trends in pain and healing; a triamcinolone paste relieved pain best.

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

A 2019 systematic review of five small trials found turmeric or curcumin gels and mouthwashes reduced the severity and pain of oral mucositis in people having chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Vervain

Verbena officinalis

In a double-blind randomised multicentre trial, 260 people with chronic generalised gingivitis brushed and flossed, and half also rinsed with a vervain decoction. The authors report that gum and plaque scores fell more in the vervain group over 28 days, with no adverse effects. Rinsing with the infusion is a folk use for stomatitis and tonsillitis.

Western honey bee

Apis mellifera

Propolis mouthwashes and gels may reduce dental plaque and oral bacteria, but a 2026 review rated the certainty of evidence very low and found no direct evidence on tooth decay.

White mustard

Sinapis alba

In a double-blind randomised trial in 113 people with gingivitis, four weeks of a toothpaste containing S. alba extract reduced the plaque index by 2.43 points (placebo 1.95) and bleeding on probing by 30.6% (placebo 26.8%); a six-month follow-up with a low-erucic 'Bamberka' extract reported similar gains. Small effects in few trials.

African birch

Anogeissus leiocarpa

The stem bark is used as a chewing stick and is reported in traditional use for oral infections and toothache. No clinical studies were found.

African myrrh

Commiphora africana

In Sudan the resin is used for gingivitis, and in Mauritania the powdered gum is applied for toothache. Acetone extracts of the resin strongly inhibited the tooth-decay bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the lab.

Agati

Sesbania grandiflora

The very astringent bark is used for mouth ulcers and ulcers of the digestive tract in Myanmar folk medicine.

Agrimony

Agrimonia eupatoria

Covered by the same EU gargle indication for minor mouth inflammation.

Arnica

Arnica montana

Commission E, WHO and ESCOP monographs listed inflammation of the mouth and throat (gingivitis, aphthous ulcers) among external uses, according to the EMA assessment; EMA did not adopt it.

Asthma weed

Euphorbia hirta

A decoction of the fresh herb is used in India as a gargle for thrush, and in Africa for thrush and mouth ulcers.

Bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

The Blackfoot used an infusion of the plant as a mouthwash for cankers and sore gums.

Beard lichen

Usnea barbata

Part of the same Commission E indication; usnic acid has been used in toothpaste and mouthwash, and experimental oral films contain far less usnic acid than oral supplements did.

Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

EMA traditional use of a dried-fruit decoction as a mouth rinse for minor inflammation of the oral mucosa, based on long use rather than trials.

Bitter kola

Garcinia kola

Twigs are used as chewing sticks for cleaning the teeth; extracts are antibacterial in the laboratory.

Black haw

Viburnum prunifolium

Cherokee: an infusion of the bark used as a wash for a sore tongue.

Blackthorn

Prunus spinosa

Same folk use of the astringent fruit for inflammation in the mouth.

Borneo camphor

Dryobalanops aromatica

Used in Chinese medicine for mouth sores and gum pain.

Burn jelly plant

Bulbine frutescens

Zulu use for fever blisters (cold sores) and mouth ulcers.

Camelthorn

Alhagi maurorum

Used in Iran for aphthous (mouth) ulcers.

Cheesewood

Pittosporum viridiflorum

Used as a chewing stick for oral hygiene and for oral fungal infections in HIV-positive patients.

Clove

Syzygium aromaticum

EMA traditional use for symptomatic treatment of minor inflammations of the mouth or throat, as a mouthwash with 1–5% oil. WHO records local use for minor mouth infections.

Cocklebur

Xanthium strumarium

The Northern Paiute rubbed the burs on sore gums 'to take the pain, poison and blood out' (Fowler 1989).

Common mallow

Malva sylvestris

Leaf decoctions are used as mouthwashes for inflamed mouth and gums and applied to aching teeth in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese folk medicine; EMA's throat indication includes oromucosal use.

Common sage

Salvia officinalis

EMA traditional use as a gargle or rinse for inflammation of the mouth and throat, including gum inflammation.

Cuachalalate

Amphipterygium adstringens

An 1832 Mexican materia medica records the bark boiled in water 'to firm the teeth'; it is also used for mouth sores.

Damask rose

Rosa damascena

EMA traditional use: an infusion of dried petals as a mouth rinse for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat lining. The HMPC also noted one 50-patient trial in which a rose mouthwash did better than placebo, but judged it too small to rely on.

English oak (Pedunculate oak)

Quercus robur

EU traditional-use indication: a decoction used as a mouth rinse for minor inflammation of the oral mucosa, for up to a week.

Greek sage

Salvia fruticosa

Used topically as washes, irrigations or poultices for mucosal inflammation and infection (Portugal); untested clinically.

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis

A decoction is used to rinse the mouth in stomatitis and other inflammations and to wash the eyes; not clinically tested.

Lentil

Vicia lens

Pliny records a lentil decoction for ulcers of the mouth and genitals and, boiled with vinegar and water, for diseases of the throat. Not clinically tested.

Lodh tree

Symplocos racemosa

Spongy and bleeding gums are among its recorded ethnomedical uses.

Lophatherum

Lophatherum gracile

Used for tongue sores, glossitis and oral ulcers, typically with coptis (Huanglian). No controlled studies.

Mahua

Madhuca longifolia

A gargle of about 4 ml of bark extract in 300 ml of water is a recorded remedy for spongy and bleeding gums; untested.

Marsh mallow

Althaea officinalis

The EMA monograph allows oromucosal use of the macerate for irritation of the mouth.

Mastic tree

Pistacia lentiscus

Chewed since antiquity to clean the teeth and freshen breath; Dioscorides recommended it for oral hygiene. Lab studies show activity against Streptococcus mutans; no medicinal indication.

Myrrh

Commiphora myrrha

EMA traditional-use monograph: myrrh tincture for minor ulcers and inflammation in the mouth (stomatitis and gingivitis), on the strength of long use rather than trials.

Noni

Morinda citrifolia

Green fruit was used for bad breath, mouth ulcers and toothache.

Orris

Iris germanica

King's Dispensatory (1898) says its only remaining use was in breath perfumes and dentifrices, where it flavoured the product and was thought to act 'beneficially on the gums'.

Pellitory

Anacyclus pyrethrum

Listed among Unani herbs for preventing and treating oro-dental disorders, alongside miswak and turmeric.

Peruvian pepper

Schinus molle

In Mexico the resin is chewed to strengthen the gums. In a test-tube study, only the undiluted ethanolic extract significantly inhibited a resistant Candida albicans strain (an oral yeast), and less than fluconazole did.

Pongam

Millettia pinnata

Karanj twigs are used as chewing sticks (datun) for oral hygiene; a lab test found its aqueous extract less active against Streptococcus mutans than mango sticks.

Portia tree

Thespesia populnea

The bark is used for mouth infections in children in Tonga and for stomatitis in Samoa. In the Cook Islands it is used for teething problems in babies.

Pot marigold

Calendula officinalis

EMA traditional use for minor inflammation of the mouth or throat, as a rinse or gargle, over 12 years.

Purple loosestrife

Lythrum salicaria

Traditionally used for gum inflammation (gingivitis, periodontosis). No clinical data.

Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

Part of the same EMA indication for mild mouth inflammation; the leaf has long been used as an astringent mouthwash.

Rhatany

Krameria lappacea

Commission E approved topical use for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa and for denture pressure sores; ESCOP (2017) lists minor inflammations of the mouth such as stomatitis and gingivitis. Support comes from lab and animal studies showing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and astringent effects, not from clinical trials.

Roman chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile

Used in mouthwashes for inflammation of the oral mucosa; the Commission E monograph described dyspepsia and mouth inflammation as its uses.

Rosary pea (Jequirity)

Abrus precatorius

Leaves were chewed with cubebs and sugar for mouth ulcers (aphthae) in western India. No clinical studies.

Sacred fig (Bodhi tree)

Ficus religiosa

Root bark is used for stomatitis (mouth inflammation) and ulcers. Not tested.

Senegal prickly-ash

Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides

The roots are widely used as chewing sticks for cleaning the teeth in West Africa; their effect on oral health has not been tested in trials found here.

Socotra dragon tree

Dracaena cinnabari

On Socotra a gum-resin from the root is used in gargle water as an astringent and in toothpaste, and the resin as a breath freshener.

Tea tree

Melaleuca alternifolia

EU traditional use as a diluted rinse or gargle for minor inflammation of the mouth lining, not to be swallowed. NCCIH says the effectiveness of tea tree mouthrinses for gingivitis, plaque and bad breath is uncertain.

Threeleaf goldthread

Coptis trifolia

The most widely recorded use: Iroquois, Menominee, Ojibwa, Malecite, Micmac, Mohegan and Penobscot people used root infusions, washes or chewed stems for mouth sores, cankers, trench mouth and mouths irritated by tobacco. No clinical studies.

Toothache plant

Acmella oleracea

Used for gum and throat infections across the Americas, Asia and Africa, and for stomatitis in Indonesia; in India it is used to relieve dry mouth (xerostomia).

Tormentil

Potentilla erecta

EMA traditional-use indication for minor inflammation of the lining of the mouth, used as a rinse made from the rhizome or its tincture.

Wild strawberry

Fragaria vesca

Okanagan-Colville people dusted leaf powder into a baby's sore mouth.

Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens

Cherokee chewed the leaves for tender gums; the 19th-century Eclectic John King described the infusion for pain after tooth extraction. Diluted wintergreen oil is used in mouth rinses and gum preparations.

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

Sanguinarine was added to toothpaste and mouthwash against plaque, but oral use of bloodroot products is strongly associated with oral leukoplakia, a pre-cancerous lesion (one review disputed this), and the dental product Viadent was withdrawn from the North American market.