SUMMARY:  A new antiinflammatory agent has been isolated from Aloe which exhibited topical antiinflammatory activity.

SUMMARY:  As demonstrated in this study, extracts of aloe vera gel show an inhibitory effect on inflammation, and thus provides a scientific basis for the use of aloe vera in medicine for the treatment of inflammation.

SUMMARY:  Chlorhexidine is a widely used antiseptic and disinfectant. Hypersensitivity reactions to chlorhexidine, as well as contact dermatitis, fixed drug eruptions, photosensitivity reactions, occupational asthma, and anaphylactic shock have been reported after use. The potential risk of anaphylactic reactions from the application of chlorhexidine has been well known since the 1980s, especially application to mucous membranes.

SUMMARY:  The authors of this article examined the anti-edema activity of aloe vera against inflammation caused by known irritants and found that low doses of aloe vera can be effective over a variety of different forms of inflammation.

SUMMARY:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate a gel containing allantoin, aloe vera, and silicon dioxide in the treatment and prevention of ulcers of the mouth. For 3-4 months, each patient used a daily dairy to document changes in the number and duration of ulcers, interval between ulcers, ulcer size, and ulcer pain. In one study, use of the gel resulted in reductions of mouth ulcers and a statistically significant decrease in the length of time the ulcers were present.

SUMMARY:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fluoride-containing aloe vera toothpaste on dental decay. The study indicated that the aloe vera toothpaste with fluoride and sodium fluoride toothpaste significantly reduced decay.

SUMMARY:  Over the past 55 years, fluoride prevention has greatly contributed to the reduction in dental decay in many countries. The evolution of fluoride prevention programs has brought changes in indications and methods of fluoride preparations.

SUMMARY:  Fluoride is a natural element found at varying concentrations in all drinking water. It is considered a beneficial nutrient and is present in trace amounts in the body. When consumed in optimal amounts through water and food, and when used topically in toothpastes, rinses, and dentist office treatments, fluoride reduces the risk and prevalence of dental decay and helps promote enamel remineralization throughout life.

SUMMARY:  Aloe vera has been reported to have therapeutic potential in a variety of soft tissue injuries. The fresh gel or juice has been used for medical and cosmetic purposes and for general health. This study reports the influence of aloe vera on the collagen content and its characteristics in healing wounds.

SUMMARY:  A number of mouthrinses containing what are called antimicrobials, are evaluated to determine their effectiveness against plaque and gingivitis. The mouthrinses were tested as additions to normal oral hygiene procedures such as toothbrushing.

SUMMARY:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of aloe vera and its effect as a topical anti-inflammatory agent. The results of this study showed that small amounts of aloe vera given topically will inhibit inflammation induced by some form of an irritant.

SUMMARY:  This article presents statistical data on research findings with regards to the efficacy of toothpastes using chlorine dioxide as compared to povidone iodine.

SUMMARY:  Clinical studies indicate that patients that use toothpastes that do not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate experienced a 60-70% reduction in the number of canker sores in their mouth. Theory suggests that toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate increase the likelihood of canker sores inside the mouth.

SUMMARY:  There have been numerous reports of anaphylaxis from chlorhexidine in surgical operations and medical procedures due to its application to wounds and mucous membranes. This study of 33 patients discovered that 10 had severe symptoms from chlorhexidine, and 11 had mild local symptoms.

SUMMARY:  A known side-effect of chlorhexidine is that it is a known blocker of the salty taste. Through this study researchers determined that the use of chlorhexidine resulted in a decreased ability to identify taste stimuli that is consistent with the salt and bitter taste perceptions on the tongue.

SUMMARY:  Through this study three new chromone components were isolated from the leaves of aloe vera. The inhibitory action of these compounds were also examined.

SUMMARY:  This paper reviews the role of the tongue as a habitat for oral microorganisms and the potential need for tongue cleaning as part of a daily oral hygiene regimen. Bacteria colonizing the tongue and pockets within the gums are associated with volatile sulfur compounds in periodontal health and disease. Volatile sulfur compounds are the cause of bad breath. The amount of coating on the surface of the tongue by patients that complained of bad breath was significantly higher than those without bad breath. The regular brushing or scraping of the tongue aimed at removing the coating on the tongue's surface, has been found to be successful in reducing bad breath.

SUMMARY:  This is a question and fact answer about what is fluoride and how it reduces tooth decay.

SUMMARY:  This brief article explains the causes behind bad breath such as certain foods, prescription medication, smoking, alcohol, a coating on the tongue, decaying food particles around the teeth and gums, periodontal disease, and even dry mouth. The article also gives tips for controlling bad breath such as regular dentist office visits and oral hygiene products.

SUMMARY:  Aloe has been used by man for treating various ailments since the earliest days of recorded history. However, it is only recently that its chemical components and biological medicinal properties have been studied. This article reviews some of the benefits of aloe vera as reported, delineate the processes to produce the regular aloe gel and the whole leaf aloe, and quantify the differences between various components of the two types and end products.

SUMMARY:  This article explains the importance behind cleaning the tongue of debris as the tongue has been found to be a source of bad breath. Cleaning of the tongue may also reduce tooth and periodontal disease.

SUMMARY:  The authors' studies show that aloe Vera improves wound healing when administered either orally or topically. It not only contributes to a decrease in wound diameter, but also leads to better vascularity and healthier granulation tissue. The fact that aloe is effective orally suggests that it is not broken down by the gastrointestinal tract and is absorbed into the blood.