Synopsis

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

Flavans, a subgroup of flavonoids commonly found in foods such as tea, cocoa, and certain fruits, have been studied for their potential benefits to oral health, particularly in supporting gum (periodontal) health. Scientific research suggests that flavans possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These properties are relevant to gum health because periodontitis and gingivitis, the two most common gum diseases, are driven by inflammation and bacterial infection.

Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that flavans can inhibit the growth of oral pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans, which are associated with gum disease and dental caries, respectively. Additionally, flavans may reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in gingival tissues, thereby potentially reducing tissue destruction associated with periodontitis.

Human clinical studies are somewhat limited but promising. A few small-scale clinical trials have shown that the use of flavan-rich mouthwashes or chewing gums may reduce markers of gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation. For example, green tea catechins (a type of flavan) have been shown to improve periodontal parameters in some studies.

However, while the mechanistic data and preliminary clinical evidence are supportive, larger and longer-term randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of flavans in gum health. As such, the evidence base is moderate but not definitive, justifying a rating of 3 out of 5.

More about flavans
More about Gums

Other ingredients that support Gums

Acacia
Agonandra
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Alchemilla
Alkanna
Allicin
Allspice
Aloe vera
anthocyanins
apple
apple cider vinegar
Areca
Ascophyllum nodosum
asiaticoside
aucubin
avens
Baccharis dracunculifolia
bai ji
balsam
bayberry
bee products
bee propolis
benzoin
berry
betel
betony
bilberry
bioflavonoids
bistort
blackberry
Bletilla
bloodroot
Boswellia
Brazilian peppertree
cajuput
Calendula
Calycophyllum
canaigre
capsicum
cardamom
carvacrol
Casearia sylvestris
catechins
catechu
cayenne pepper
cinquefoil
Cistus
Citrus
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coca
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
Collinsonia
comfrey
commiphora
cranesbill
Curcuma
curcumin
Curcuminoid
cutch
Cyanthillium cinereum
dragon\'s blood
Drynaria
Echinacea
emblicanin
eugenol
European five-finger grass
fiber
flavanones
flavans
flavonoids
flavonols
flavonones
fleabane
fluoride
fluorine
frankincense
fructoborate
Gambir
garlic
Glechoma hederacea
goldenseal
goldenseal
goldthread
gooseberry
Guava
heal-all
Heliopsis
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
hesperidin
honey
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian frankincense
Indian kinotree
Jaboticaba
Kigelia africana
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactoperoxidase
Lady's Mantle
lemon
Leptospermum scoparium
leucoanthocyanidins
licorice root
lime
lingonberry
lodhtree
lysozyme
Mahonia
mallow
Malva sylvestris
mango
manzanita
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Marshmallow
Massularia acuminata
Mastic gum
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Menthol oil
Mineral ascorbate
mixed carotenoids
Mucilage
Myrobalan
Myrrh
Nasturtium
Neem tree
New Jersey Tea
Nimbidin
Oak
Oleuropein
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oregon grape
Orris
Pacific madrone
pagoda tree
Pedra hume
Pellitory
Persimmon
phenolic compounds
Phosphate ascorbate
pine bark
Plantago
plantain
polyphenols
Potentilla
prickly ash
proanthocyanidins
procyanidin
procyanidol
Propolis
Pterocarpus marsupium
Pterospermum
punicalagins
Pycnogenol
raspberry
Rhus coraria
Rhus coriaria
Rhus glabra
Rosa californica
rose hips
Rubus
sage
Sangre de Grado
Sanicle
Sapindus mukorossi
Self-Heal
shepherd's purse
Silverweed
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
Smoketree
Spanish Needle
Spilanthes
Streptococcus oralis
Streptococcus salivarius
Tannins
Tea Tree Oil
Terminalia
Thymol
Toothache Plant
Tridax
Triphala
turmeric
Ulmus
Vestitol
vitamin C
vitamin K
Water Pepper
White oak
White Tea
white willow
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
Yellow root
Yerba Mansa
zanthoxylum
Zinc

Other body systems supported by flavans

Arteries
Blood
Brain
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Liver
Skin

Products containing flavans

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.