Evidence supporting the use of: Curcumin
For the body system: Gums

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been studied for its potential benefits in oral health, including gum (periodontal) support. Scientific research suggests that curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that may be beneficial for gum health. Multiple in vitro and clinical studies have evaluated curcumin as an adjunct to conventional periodontal therapy. For example, randomized controlled trials have shown that curcumin gel or mouthwash can reduce plaque, gingival inflammation, and bleeding on probing comparably to standard treatments like chlorhexidine, although some studies note a lesser effect or require longer usage for similar results.

Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory action is believed to help mitigate the inflammatory processes involved in gingivitis and periodontitis, while its antimicrobial effects may help reduce the bacterial load that contributes to gum disease. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (e.g., Jadaun et al., 2022, J Appl Oral Sci; Chatterjee et al., 2017, J Clin Diagn Res) support the adjunctive use of curcumin in non-surgical periodontal therapy. However, most studies are small and of variable methodological quality, and curcumin is not a replacement for established dental care.

In summary, while there is scientific evidence supporting curcumin’s adjunctive role in supporting gum health, more large-scale, high-quality trials are needed to fully establish its efficacy and optimal use.

More about curcumin
More about Gums