Honey as a Natural Remedy for Gum Disease

Research has shown that honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide which is believed to be the key reason for the antimicrobial activity of honey. Honey not only curbs dental plaque bacteria growth but also reduces the amount of acid produced, which stops the bacteria from producing dextran, a component of dental plaque that adheres stubbornly to the surface of the teeth.

A study by King Saud University, Saudi Arabia to assess the effects of chewing honey on dental plaque bacterial counts in orthodontic patients revealed the following:

"Bacterial counts were significantly reduced in the honey group compared to the other treatment groups (p0.001) and honey significantly inhibited the growth of all studied strains compared to inhibition observed with antibiotics (p0.001). Honey can be used as an alternative to traditional remedies for the prevention of dental caries and gingivitis following orthodontic treatment." ~ The Saudi Dental Journal, Volume 26, Issue 3 , Pages 108-114, July 2014

Another study by researchers in India examined the effectiveness of reducing dental plaque using Manuka honey, Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and chewing gum with xylitol and concluded teh following:

"Both Manuka honey and chlorhexidine mouthwash reduced plaque formation significantly, better than the xylitol chewing gum." ~ Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, 2010 Oct;1(4):214-7

Honey derived from the abundant Manuka bush in New Zealand, claims the strongest potency of antimicrobial properties. In addition to the usual hydrogen peroxide anti-bacterial activity, Manuka honey has Unique Manuka Factor (UMF),making it doubly potent. UMF honey is found to be more effective than hydrogen peroxide against some types of bacteria in laboratory testing and proven to be as good as the standard antiseptic phenol. The antibacterial factor in Manuka is unaffected by enzymes in the body that breaks down hydrogen peroxide components. Other types of "active honey" include Rewarewa and Wild Flora.

So, how do you use honey to treat gum disease? Scientists are exploring the option of using Manuka honey diluted as a mouthwash or even including it in toothpaste. And meanwhile, if you are game to try, just rub it into the gums after brushing your teeth!