Evidence supporting the use of: Licorice root
For the body system: Teeth

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

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, for supporting oral health and the teeth. Historically, licorice root was used as a natural remedy for toothaches, gum disease, and for maintaining oral hygiene. Sticks from the root were sometimes chewed as a natural toothbrush, a practice observed in several cultures.

The rationale for its traditional use is attributed to its natural sweetness (which made it pleasant to chew) and its antimicrobial properties as believed by practitioners. More recently, some in vitro studies have indicated that certain compounds in licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin and licoricidin, can inhibit the growth of oral bacteria associated with dental caries and gum disease. However, these findings are preliminary and mostly limited to laboratory settings, with little robust clinical evidence in humans to confirm significant benefits for teeth.

Overall, while there is a traditional basis for using licorice root to support oral and dental health, scientific validation for its effectiveness in this context is limited. Its use remains primarily traditional, with more evidence needed from well-designed clinical trials to justify its widespread recommendation for teeth or oral health.

More about licorice root
More about Teeth