Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) has a historical tradition of use in oral health, particularly in supporting gum health. Native American tribes used bloodroot preparations for various ailments, including as a dental remedy. In the 20th century, bloodroot extract (primarily its alkaloid sanguinarine) became a component in some commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes promoted for reducing dental plaque and supporting gum health.

Some clinical studies have explored sanguinarine-containing oral hygiene products. Limited evidence suggests that sanguinarine may have antimicrobial properties and could help reduce dental plaque and gingivitis when used in mouth rinses. However, these studies are generally small, short-term, or have methodological limitations. Importantly, concerns have been raised about the safety of bloodroot and its extracts, as sanguinarine has been linked to leukoplakia (white patches in the mouth that can be pre-cancerous) and mucosal irritation with long-term use.

Overall, while traditional use and some historical commercial products support the role of bloodroot in oral and gum health, strong scientific validation is lacking, and safety concerns have led to decreased use in modern dental care products. The evidence supporting bloodroot for gum health is thus based primarily on tradition and limited, low-quality scientific investigation.

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