Synopsis

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

Betel leaf (Piper betle) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, for the treatment of toothache and various oral ailments. In Ayurvedic and folk medicine, fresh betel leaves are often recommended to be chewed or applied directly to the affected tooth to alleviate pain and combat infections. The rationale behind its use lies in the presence of essential oils and phytochemicals such as chavicol, eugenol, and hydroxychavicol, which exhibit mild analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

While there are a few laboratory studies indicating that extracts of betel leaf possess antibacterial effects against oral pathogens (such as Streptococcus mutans and other bacteria associated with dental caries), clinical evidence in humans is scarce and far from robust. The pain-relieving effect is likely mild and may be attributed to the numbing sensation produced by the essential oils rather than a direct curative effect. Most contemporary dental guidelines do not recommend betel leaf as a standard treatment for toothache, primarily due to insufficient scientific evidence and concerns about the long-term risks of betel chewing (such as oral submucous fibrosis and increased cancer risk). In summary, while betel leaf is traditionally used for toothache and has some biological plausibility, its efficacy is not well-supported by rigorous scientific studies.

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