TIRUVALLAM, India, Jul 20, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Properly handled aloe vera
used as a tooth cleaner may help fight germs, a researcher in India says.
The study, published in General Dentistry, finds the aloe vera tooth gel just as
effective as -- and in some cases, more effective than -- two popular commercial
non-aloe tooth cleaners.
The researchers say aloe latex contains anthraquinones -- chemical compounds
used in healing and arresting pain because they are anti-inflammatory in nature.
Since aloe vera tooth gel tends to be less harsh on teeth because it does not
contain the abrasive elements typically found in commercial toothpaste, the
researchers say it may a great alternative for people with sensitive teeth or
gums.
However, they say, buyers must beware. Products must contain the stabilized gel
that is located in the center of the aloe vera plant in order to be effective.
Products must also adhere to certain manufacturing standards.
"Aloe must not be treated with excessive heat or filtered during the
manufacturing process, as this destroys or reduces the effects of certain
essential compounds, such as enzymes and polysaccharides," study co-author Dilip
George of Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Tiruvallam, India, says in a
statement.
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