The use of Billygoat plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana), also known as Kakadu plum, in supporting oral health and gums is primarily rooted in traditional practices. Indigenous Australians have used the fruit and other parts of the plant for thousands of years as a bush food and traditional medicine. Historically, Kakadu plum was applied topically or consumed to assist with various ailments, including those related to the mouth and gums, such as treating sores or infections. This traditional use is likely linked to the fruit’s exceptionally high vitamin C content, which is essential for gum health and the prevention of scurvy, a disease that manifests with gum bleeding and oral lesions due to vitamin C deficiency.

While vitamin C is scientifically recognized for its role in maintaining healthy gums, direct clinical studies specifically investigating Billygoat plum for gum health are lacking. Most evidence supporting its use comes from its traditional application and its nutrient profile, rather than controlled scientific trials. Therefore, while the fruit’s high vitamin C content provides a plausible basis for its use in supporting gum health, the rating of evidence remains modest due to the absence of targeted clinical research.