Evidence supporting the use of: Apple cider vinegar
For the health condition: Gingivitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has a long history in folk medicine and is sometimes promoted as a natural remedy for oral health problems, including gingivitis. The traditional justification for its use is based on its acidic nature and purported antibacterial properties, which are thought to help reduce oral bacteria and inflammation. However, there is little to no direct scientific evidence supporting the use of ACV as an effective treatment for gingivitis. In fact, most available data regarding ACV’s effects in the mouth focuses on its risks rather than benefits; the acetic acid in vinegar is known to erode dental enamel and may irritate the oral mucosa, potentially worsening oral health if used frequently or undiluted.
No high-quality clinical studies have demonstrated that apple cider vinegar can prevent or treat gingivitis in humans. Recommendations to use ACV as an oral rinse or treatment for gingivitis are therefore rooted almost entirely in anecdotal tradition rather than validated scientific research. Dental associations and oral health professionals generally do not recommend vinegar for this purpose. Instead, established treatments such as improved oral hygiene, professional cleanings, and use of antimicrobial mouthwashes are supported by robust evidence. Thus, the role of apple cider vinegar in gingivitis management is primarily traditional, with significant concerns about potential harm.
Other ingredients used for Gingivitis
AcaciaAcemannan
Ajoene
Ajuga
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-terpineol
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
anamu
ananain
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
Arani
Ardisia
Asam gelugor
aster root
avens
babchi
Bacillus
bacteria
balsam
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
basil
bayleaf
bee hive
bee pollen
bee propolis
bentonite
benzyl isothiocyanate
betel
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bioflavonoids
bitter grass
black garlic
black nightshade
black pepper
black seed
black walnut
blackberry
blackboard tree
Blepharis
Blue-Green Alage
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
borneol
Boswellic Acid
bromelain
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
Calendula
Camellia sinensis
Carthamus
carvacrol
caryophyllene
cat's claw
catechins
cayenne pepper
Celosia
Centella asiatica
Centipeda
chamomile
chlorophyllin
Cinnamomum
cinnamon
Cistus
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut milk
coconut oil
commiphora
copaiba oil
Coptis chinensis
corktree
costus
Dianthus
Dichrostachys glomerata
elephant\'s head
ellagic acid
empresstree
enzymes blend (proprietary)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
eugenol
Euphorbia
Evodia
ferula assafoetida
Ficus religiosa
flavans
flavonols
flavonones
frankincense
fucoidan
fulvic acid
Galangal
Gallesia
gallic acid
Gambir
garlic
genipap
geraniol
geranium
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
Gnaphalium
goldenseal
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
Greek mountain tea
green tea
Guava
gum
Helicteres isora
Horsemint
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
Indian fagonia
Indian frankincense
iridoid glycosides
iridoids
Isatis
isoquinoline alkaloids
Kefir
Kokilaksha
labrador tea
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
Laggera pterodonta
lauric acid
lemon
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
liverwort
Loranthus
Lysimachia
lysozyme
Macaranga indica
mallow
mangostin
Matapalo Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Menthol oil
Microbial enzymes (proprietary)
Monolaurin
Morinda
Moringa
Mustard
mustard seed
Myrobalan
Myrrh
Naphthoquinones
Nimbidin
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
onion
Onosma bracteatum
orange
oregano
oregon grape
Orris
pagoda tree
parsley
paw paw
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
peony
Pepper Bark Tree
Peppermint
Persimmon
Phaeophyceae
Phellodendron
phellodendron amurense
phlorotannins
Phosphate ascorbate
Physalis angulata
Pimpinella
Piper nigrum
Plectranthus amboinicus
polyphenols
Portulaca
proanthocyanidins
probiotics
procyanidin
procyanidol
Propolis
punicalagins
Pycnogenol
quercetin
Quisqualis
raspberry
Rhus coriaria
rosmarinic acid
Rubus
rutin
sage
Sagebrush
Salvia
schizonepeta
Self-Heal
Sensitive Plant
Sichuan Lovage
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
Solanum indicum
Sophora
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Spilanthes
Stereospermum
Streptococcus oralis
Streptococcus salivarius
streptococcus thermophilus
Sumac
sweet flag
Sword Bean
Tamaricaceae
Tamarind
Tannins
Tea Tree Oil
Terminalia
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Thiosulfinate
Thymol
trace minerals
Trichosanthes
Triphala
Tulbaghia
turmeric
typhonium
Viola
Violet
vitamin C
vitamin E
Water Pepper
White oak
White Tea
Winter Begonia
Wulinshen
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Yerba buena
zanthoxylum
Zedoary
Zinc
Zingiberene
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by apple cider vinegar
Acid IndigestionAcne
Age Spots
Appetite (deficient)
Appetite (excessive)
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Belching
Body Odor
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Cholesterol (high)
Cold Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Cradle Cap
Dandruff
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Gout
Halitosis
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Itching
Jock Itch
Kidney Stones
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Psoriasis
Sugar Cravings
Urinary Tract Infections
Warts
Wounds and Sores
