Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha Hydroxy Acids
For the health condition: Gingivitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are more commonly known for their role in dermatology—particularly as exfoliants in skincare. However, in recent years, there has been emerging scientific interest in their application for oral health, including gingivitis. Some small-scale studies and in vitro investigations suggest that AHAs may help reduce dental plaque and improve gingival health by disrupting biofilms and promoting epithelial turnover. For example, glycolic acid has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain oral pathogens and to facilitate the shedding of the outer layers of the gingival epithelium, potentially limiting bacterial colonization.
Despite these promising mechanisms, the clinical evidence remains limited. Only a handful of pilot studies, often with small sample sizes and short durations, have reported modest improvements in gingival inflammation and plaque indices after the use of AHA-containing oral rinses or gels. There is a lack of large, well-controlled randomized trials to firmly establish efficacy and safety. As such, while there is emerging scientific validation for the use of AHAs in gingivitis, the evidence base is not robust, and their use is not yet standard practice in dentistry.
In summary, there is some scientific basis for the use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids in supporting gingivitis treatment, but current evidence is limited in both quantity and quality, warranting further research before broad clinical adoption.
Other ingredients used for Gingivitis
ajoenealoe vera
anthocyanins
basil
myrobalan
betel
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bisabolol
black garlic
black pepper
black walnut
blackberry
Indian frankincense
bromelain
cat's claw
catechins
chamomile
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coating
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
monolaurin
moringa
mustard seed
orange
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
quercetin
raspberry
rutin
sage
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
streptococcus thermophilus
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin E
xylitol
zinc
bentonite
typhonium
Indian bael
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
bee pollen
peony
myrrh
sweet flag
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
polyphenols
trace minerals
fulvic acid
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Anamu
Ajuga
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
anthocyanidins
Acemannan
Ananain
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Blepharis
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bacteria
Blue-Green Alage
Bacillus
benzyl isothiocyanate
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chlorophyllin
coconut oil
Carvacrol
Cajuput
Centella asiatica
Centipeda
Cistus
Corktree
Costus
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Dichrostachys glomerata
Ellagic Acid
Empresstree
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flavonones
Garlic
Galangal
Mustard
Mallow
Metal Salt
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AcneAge Spots
Aging (prevention)
Dandruff
Gingivitis
Lesions
Psoriasis
Scars / Scar Tissue
Seborrhea
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles