Whenever you get to hear about aloe vera, it’s usually in shampoo and hair commercials.
An evergreen perennial (which means that it lives for a very, very long time), the plant has long been touted as an easy solution for hair problems, especially hair loss and other issues like dryness and hair fall.
Besides hair, it’s also famous for helping soothe our skin and relieve any dryness.
But did you know that it also has other uses that are not just for the outside of our bodies? That’s right. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial abilities can also help benefit your body from the inside.
Here are some of its other uses:
Reduces gum inflammation
Per studies, improving our gum health is also one of aloe vera’s benefits. Using it as a remedy for gum inflammation is a great idea since it helps restore the texture of its tissues. And the benefits don’t stop with your gum because several studies also showed that it can reduce plaque on teeth like chlorhexidine does. However, it’s merely a first aid solution and shouldn’t be treated as a full treatment.
Possibly whitens teeth
Per some websites, aloe vera can also help make your pearly whites even whiter. However, the evidence to back this up is still fairly limited. Still, since aloe vera can help reduce plaque, which has a yellowish color, aloe vera might just be able to keep your teeth whiter for longer.
Stops germs that can cause cavities
In addition to helping reduce gum inflammation that can lead to more serious gum problems, several studies have also shown that aloe vera can also kill bacteria that live in the mouth. Such bacteria include Streptococcus mutans, which is one of the bacteria that’s usually the culprit behind tooth decay. And while research around this aspect of aloe vera can still be a bit limited compared to others, it doesn’t already mean that it’s not effective since there are also studies that show positive results.
However, aloe vera is not a direct replacement for brushing your teeth, so always make sure to practice good oral health.
