Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. Traditionally, the leaves and bark have been used as a mouthwash or gargle to support oral health, including the gums. The main rationale for its use lies in its astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils. Folk medicine recommends decoctions of smoketree for treating gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and bleeding gums.

Despite these traditional uses, scientific studies on smoketree’s efficacy for gum health are limited. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and mild anti-inflammatory effects, but these are preliminary and do not directly confirm clinical benefits for the gums. There are no high-quality clinical trials to validate traditional claims. Thus, while the historical use of smoketree for supporting gum health is well documented, modern evidence is lacking. Its rating reflects the strength of traditional support but the absence of robust scientific validation.