Anti-gingivitis natural products: Aloe vera gel, tea tree oil mouthwash, turmeric gel, myrrh extract/mouthwash

Gingivitis is an inflammatory gum disease which occurs around the cervical portion of the gum and is classified by its clinical appearance. Gingivitis is very common, and anyone can be affected including but not limited to poor oral care habits. This paper reviews the potential of Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash, Turmeric Gel, and Myrrh Extract/Mouthwash. The study also assessed the knowledge and opinions of first-year pharmacy students. The survey part of the study included 5 knowledge-based and 5 opinion-based questions, focusing on the four herbal remedies. The knowledge-based questions showed a 65.7% correct response rate, with the question on turmeric receiving the highest accuracy (94.3%), while the question surveying the participants’ knowledge about the source of information for herbal products received the lowest correct answer rate at 31.4%. Opinion-based questions revealed a positive attitude towards herbal remedies, with about 67.6% to 94.3% strongly agreeing, or agreeing with the potential benefits of the products. The highest agreement rate at 94.3% was obtained for the statement that myrrh can help reduce inflammation in the gums and inhibit the growth of bacteria, thus assisting in the management of gingivitis. Disagreement of opinions was minimal, ranging from 5.7% to 32.3%, indicating a widespread inclination towards positive agreement.