[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Westerners may still be learning about neem and its many benefits, but this rather extraordinary natural wellness solution is by no means new. In fact,
Azadirachta indica, more commonly known as neem, has been an integral part of life in India for centuries. According to the
Neem Foundation, the evergreen neem tree is inextricably linked to the history of the Indian civilization itself. The word neem is derived from Nimba in Sanskrit, which means ‘bestower of good health.’
While neem is thought to be native to the Indian subcontinent and drier areas throughout South Asia, it has also been cultivated in Africa, the Caribbean and numerous counties in South and Central America. Neem has long played a starring role in
Ayurveda, a branch of Vedic Science that originated in India as the traditional healing system over 5,000 years ago.
Ayurveda, which literally means “the science of life,” is a holistic healing/lifestyle medicine approach based on positive, daily
self-care, a fresh, nutritious diet and
yoga practice as the means of optimizing health and wellness naturally. Considered one of the oldest forms of medicine, this ancient healing system works as both preventative and curative medicine.
So, how does neem factor into Ayurveda? For ages Indians have trusted the neem tree to fortify their overall well-being, from promoting healthy hair and skin to supporting liver health and wound healing. In addition, neem has been used to protect food and stored grains and as a fertilizer and natural pesticide for the fields, among a host of other applications. It could be argued that neem has historically been used for a wider array of beneficial uses than any other tree!
Neem for Teeth
One of the many valuable applications for neem, given its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-supporting properties, is promoting positive
oral health. This will come as no surprise to the countless souls in India who continue the age-old practice of chewing on bark and twigs from neem daily, commonly known in India as “The Toothbrush Tree,” to help them maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Of course, modern Western science is still busy “discovering” what has long been understood in Ayurveda. For example, in a
study on oral health, one group of scientists referred to neem as “An herbal panacea in dentistry.” Medical research does indeed confirm that neem’s unique properties support optimal oral hygiene in a variety of ways, including:
- Guarding against plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky film comprised of millions of bacteria which coats your teeth and gumline. Unfortunately, plaque will inevitably turn into tartar within the first 24 to 72 hours. Tartar is a hard deposit of mineral plaque which can become so strongly embedded on the surface of teeth that a dental professional is required to remove it. If plaque and tartar issues are left untreated, people may develop a variety of oral health problems ranging from bad breath to cavities and gingivitis.
- Minimizing your risk of oral infections. Various chemical agents have been evaluated over the years for their antimicrobial effects in the mouth, but, as one study found, all are associated with side effects that prohibit regular long-term use. The properties in neem, on the other hand, appear to protect against harmful bacteria present in the mouth without negative side effects.
- Reducing the occurrence of dental cavities. Thanks to its powerful anti-microbial properties against various bacteria, neem leaf extract helps to combat cavity-promoting bacteria such as Streptococcus mutansand Lactobacillus acidophilus.
- Fortifying tooth enamel. Neem helps support the integrity of tooth enamel with active agents like calcium and phosphorus. Additionally, brushing your teeth regularly with neem toothpaste helps balance alkaline levels in your saliva, and as such, may contribute to the healthy re-mineralizing of tooth enamel.
- Offering anti-inflammatory protection against gingivitis. Otherwise known as early-stage gum disease, symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen or bleeding gums which, if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis?inflammation of gum tissue?as well as dental sensitivity, receding gums and even tooth loss.
- Cultivating healthy gums. Given its strong anti-inflammatory properties, neem may help to soothe gum irritation and reduce swelling, which serves to minimize risk of gum recession and disease while promoting healthy gum tissue.
- Freshening the breath. Neem’s active anti-bacterial agents also help to extinguish odor-causing microorganisms in your mouth, promoting fresh breath naturally.
- Brightening your smile. A common outcome of poor dental hygiene is stained or yellowing teeth. Natural compounds in neem?nimbolide, azadirachtin and nimbidin?have special astringent properties that help remove stains and plaque from teeth. Oral care products containing neem address surface discoloration while promoting healthy, white teeth.
- Balancing your oral equilibrium. Like other systems in your body, your oral environment has a natural balance. However, it may be threatened by microbiota populations of bacteria, fungi and algae which can cause damage to teeth and gums in a variety of ways. Neem comes to the rescue with its scientifically proven anti-microbial/anti-bacterial powers to help maintain healthy balance within the microbial population?naturally.
Given all this, how can you and your family take advantage of neem for oral and dental health? Happily, many natural products feature neem as a key ingredient by design, so your options abound. Here are some great examples, organized by category.
Natural products featuring neem oil
Toothpaste
Radius Organic Toothpaste Mint Aloe Neem
Radius Organic Toothpaste Clove Cardamom
Desert Essence Natural Neem Toothpaste Cinnamint
NOW Solutions Xyli White Neem & Tea Tree Toothpaste Gel Mint
NOW Solutions Xyli White Toothpaste Gel Cinnafresh
Mouthwash
TheraNeem Neem Mouthwash Cinnamon
TheraNeem Neem Mouthwash Herbal Mint
Desert Essence Natural Neem Mouthwash Cinnamint
Dental floss
Floss TheraNeem Naturals Neem Dental Floss Mint
Floss TheraNeem Naturals Neem Dental Floss Cinnamon
Tooth powder and tablets
TheraNeem Naturals - Neem Tooth & Gum Powder Cinnamon
TheraNeem Naturals - Neem Tooth & Gum Powder Mint
drTung's Herbal Tooth Powder Tablets With Neem and Miswak
Tooth & gum oil
TheraNeem Naturals - Neem Tooth & Gum Oil
Neem oil, extract and capsules
TheraNeem Supercritical Extract of Neem Leaf
TheraNeem Naturals Neem Oil – Among other uses, you can incorporate this into your favorite mouthwash for a DIY neem-infused oral rinse.
Vitacost Neem Capsules - 950 mg per serving
So, there you have it. From centuries of widespread, traditional usage in Ayurveda to “new’ breakthroughs in modern Western science, neem is recognized as a true superhero when it comes to dental and oral health. Now,
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