Evidence supporting the use of: Lemon
For the health condition: Gingivitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Lemon has been traditionally used in some cultures as a home remedy for gingivitis and other oral health issues, largely due to its high vitamin C content and perceived antimicrobial properties. Historically, vitamin C deficiency is associated with scurvy, a condition that manifests with bleeding gums and poor wound healing, which may have contributed to the belief that lemon (as a vitamin C source) could help treat gum disease. In folk medicine, lemon juice is sometimes applied directly to the gums or used as a rinse to promote gum health. However, there is very limited scientific evidence to support the direct effectiveness of lemon or lemon juice in the treatment of gingivitis. In fact, lemon juice is acidic and may potentially erode tooth enamel or irritate oral tissues if used excessively. The available research on gingivitis treatment emphasizes the use of established oral hygiene practices, chlorhexidine rinses, and sometimes topical or systemic antimicrobials, rather than citrus fruits or their juices. While vitamin C supplementation may play a supportive role in gum health for those with deficiencies, direct application of lemon for gingivitis lacks robust scientific backing and may even be counterproductive due to its acidity. Therefore, the use of lemon for gingivitis is primarily justified by tradition, not by strong scientific validation.

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More about Gingivitis

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bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bisabolol
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epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
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onion
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lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
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lactoferrin
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lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
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moringa
mustard seed
orange
oregano
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parsley
peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
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raspberry
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schizonepeta
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specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
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triphala
vitamin C
vitamin E
xylitol
zinc
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commiphora
blackboard tree
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bee pollen
peony
myrrh
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