Plantain (Plantago major) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, including for oral health and gum support. Various cultures have used plantain leaves for their purported anti-inflammatory, astringent, and wound-healing properties. Traditionally, plantain was chewed fresh, made into poultices, or prepared as mouth rinses to soothe irritated gums, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of oral mucosa. Historical texts, such as those from European folk medicine, reference the use of plantain for treating mouth sores, gingivitis, and gum bleeding. The astringent qualities, attributed to the tannins in the plant, are thought to help tighten tissue and reduce bleeding. Some traditional systems also valued plantain for its antimicrobial effects, potentially helping to limit oral pathogens.

However, rigorous scientific studies specifically validating plantain’s efficacy for gum health are limited. While there is evidence of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities in plantain extracts, direct clinical trials for gum disease or oral health are lacking. Most of the support for plantain’s use in oral care remains anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge rather than scientific validation. Thus, the use of plantain for gum support is rooted primarily in tradition with moderate historical evidence but lacking robust clinical data.