Synopsis

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

Cinquefoil (Potentilla species), particularly Potentilla erecta (tormentil), has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for oral health, including the support of gum tissues. In European folk medicine, preparations made from the roots or aerial parts of cinquefoil were often used as a mouthwash or gargle to soothe inflamed gums, treat mouth ulcers, and manage minor oral infections. The astringent properties of cinquefoil, attributed mainly to its high tannin content, are believed to help tighten and tone mucous membranes, reduce bleeding, and alleviate inflammation—effects considered beneficial for gum health. Although these uses are well-documented in traditional herbal texts and ethnobotanical sources, there is limited modern scientific research directly validating cinquefoil’s effectiveness for gum health. Few clinical trials exist, and most evidence remains anecdotal or based on historical usage. Some laboratory studies indicate that the plant’s tannins have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, theoretically supporting oral health, but these findings have not been robustly confirmed in human studies. In summary, the use of cinquefoil to support the gums is rooted in traditional practice, primarily relying on its astringent and mildly antimicrobial properties. Until more rigorous scientific studies are completed, its use for gum health should be considered supported by tradition rather than modern clinical validation.

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