Gum disease affects nearly half of adults and is the sixth most common chronic condition worldwide. A new approach exploring a plant compound might support the treatment of gum disease and address the effects of the disease. In this article, we look at how gum disease progresses, why morin, a natural plant extract, shows promise, and how innovative care options, such as LANAP at Laser Smile Solutions, can protect gum health.
What Is Gum Disease and Why Does It Matter?
Gum disease can strike anyone, often progressing quietly until patients’ gums show redness, swelling, and sensitivity. Gum disease occurs when biofilm, or bacterial plaque —the sticky film formed by bacteria and food debris —builds up on the teeth and stains them. This gum irritation can lead to tooth loss if untreated. According to data from the World Health Organization, nearly half of adults globally live with oral diseases such as periodontal disease.
It’s vital to take gum disease seriously because the effects of the disease don’t stop at your gums. Bacterial irritation can affect overall health, especially for people with reduced motor skills who are unable to brush their teeth or do so correctly. Preventive care, professional cleanings, and treatments like antibiotic therapy and LANAP can help protect gum health in NYC, NJ, Long Island & Westchester.
Could a Natural Plant Compound Be an Alternative to Antibiotics?
Researchers are exploring whether a natural plant compound found in apples, fig peels, almonds, certain teas, and guava could provide an alternative to antibiotics traditionally used in gum disease treatment. The compound morin is a flavonoid found in various fruits and may offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits.
According to a new study from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara at the School of Dentistry at São Paulo State and Araraquara School of Dentistry, Brazil, morin was tested on a multispecies biofilm designed to mimic the constant flow of saliva. They found that morin in the laboratory displayed antimicrobial activity against biofilms formed by bacteria and food. This suggests plant compounds might provide an alternative to products currently available on the market and to antibiotics, with fewer side effects reported by patients.
How Does Morin Work Against Bacterial Biofilm?
Morin on a multispecies biofilm was tested in vitro, using a fine powder obtained by spray drying. The case of morin demonstrated controlled-release properties using sodium alginate and gellan gum, both polymers already widely used in drugs but not yet commonly used in dentistry.
The researchers showed that the compound extracted from a natural plant could slow the formation of sticky bacterial plaque that builds up on the teeth. Morin-based powder may help treat gum disease naturally by reducing bacterial accumulation and food debris, and by preventing progression toward tooth loss.
What About Morin + Guava Leaves in Oral Care Products?
Guava and guava leaves have long been used in tea for traditional healing. The combination of morin-based powder with polymer technology could be used to make various oral hygiene products, including toothpaste, mouth rinses, and oral care products.
The researchers stated that these could also serve as an alternative to currently available products—potentially delivering benefits for gum disease treatment to people who struggle with basic oral hygiene, such as those unable to brush due to disability or age.
Is This Available as a Gum Disease Treatment Today?
Although this promising research shows that morin-based powder could provide an alternative to antibiotics, these compounds are not yet used in dentistry.
Laser Smile Solutions currently uses safe, proven technologies like LANAP laser therapy to treat gum disease with minimal discomfort and faster healing, making it the best and safest solution today.
While research on plant compounds continues, we provide clinically tested solutions that can prevent periodontal disease, protect gums, and maintain healthy gums for life. Laser Smile Solutions is proud to offer leading-edge gum disease treatment, including LANAP in NYC, NJ, Long Island & Westchester. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or want to explore advanced care options, call us today at (877) 440-3564 or schedule a free consultation at Laser Smile Solutions (gumsurgery.com).