Piper nigrum (black pepper) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for a variety of oral health issues, including gingivitis. In traditional practices, black pepper has been valued for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and is sometimes included in herbal formulations or tooth powders intended to support gum health and reduce oral inflammation.

Scientifically, there is limited direct evidence evaluating the efficacy of Piper nigrum specifically for gingivitis. A few in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts of black pepper possess antimicrobial activity against common oral pathogens, and piperine—the main bioactive alkaloid—has shown anti-inflammatory effects in various models. However, clinical trials or robust preclinical studies directly assessing the impact of black pepper or its constituents on gingivitis in humans are lacking.

In summary, the use of Piper nigrum for gingivitis is primarily justified by traditional practices and anecdotal reports, with limited low-level scientific support. Until more rigorous clinical studies are conducted, its use for this purpose should be regarded as traditional rather than evidence-based.