Synopsis

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

Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) has a long history of traditional use in supporting oral health, including gum health. In various cultures, lime juice and peels have been used as a home remedy for maintaining oral hygiene, freshening breath, and treating gum problems like gingivitis and bleeding gums. The rationale behind this traditional use likely lies in the fruit’s high vitamin C content, as vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) manifestly causes gum disease and bleeding gums. Historical accounts, especially from the 18th and 19th centuries, document the use of citrus fruits to prevent and treat scurvy among sailors, with notable improvements in gum health.

Scientifically, while vitamin C is indeed essential for collagen synthesis and maintaining gum integrity, there is a lack of direct clinical evidence showing that consuming lime specifically (as opposed to vitamin C from any source) supports gum health in people without deficiency. Most modern studies focus on vitamin C supplementation in general rather than lime as an intervention. Therefore, the use of lime for gum support is best justified by tradition and historical precedent rather than robust contemporary scientific evidence. The traditional rating is scored as 2, reflecting modest support in folk medicine and historical practice, but limited direct scientific validation for the specific use of lime in supporting the gums.

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