Zanthoxylum species, commonly known as "toothache tree," "prickly ash," or "Sichuan pepper," have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems for supporting oral health and alleviating tooth and gum discomfort. In Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Zanthoxylum bark, seeds, and fruits are included in formulations for their purported analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The numbing effect of the plant is attributed to alkaloids and essential oils that produce a tingling sensation, offering symptomatic relief from toothaches and oral irritation. Ethnobotanical records indicate that indigenous groups in North America and Asia chewed the bark or applied preparations directly to the gums and teeth.

While some laboratory studies have identified antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities in extracts of Zanthoxylum species, direct clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for dental health in humans is limited. Most of the evidence for its use in the teeth body system remains rooted in historical and ethnobotanical practices. Therefore, the justification for its use is best described as traditional, supported by a moderate traditional evidence base but with limited scientific validation to date.