Some formulations concocted by
history's earliest doctors were
based more on superstition than
science. However, modern
medicine is discovering-or
rediscovering-a few ancient
treatments with true medicinal
qualities. One of these is honey,
reports an article in General
Dentistry, the peer-reviewed
journal of the Academy of General
Dentistry (AGD).
"Honey was used in a poultice
thousands of years ago," says
Eric Curtis, DDS, MAGD,
spokesperson for the AGD, an organization of general dentists dedicated to
continuing education. "Over time, its uses were written off as folklore."
While honey is most often thought of as food, researchers are finding its
curative qualities for fighting wound infections quite effective--and natural.
In fact, research is beginning to prove honey's effectiveness as an
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent in treating oral problems, such as
periodontal disease, mouth ulcers and wounds from oral surgery, as well as
preventing the development of dry socket after tooth extraction. What's even
more appealing to dentists is that despite applying properly prepared honey
on or near teeth, it won't cause cavities.
Honey is the result of ripened nectar mixed with enzymes from bees. These
enzymes contain antibacterial qualities. And because nectar is a plant
secretion, honey also can contain phytochemicals, some of which act as
antioxidants that prevent the erosion of tissue surrounding teeth as a result of
an infection. Unlike antibiotics, honey will not cause adverse side effects.
However, don't rush to your local grocer and start stocking up on those
honey-filled plastic bears. "Honey can vary widely in the potency of its
antibacterial agents," Dr. Curtis says, "it needs to be specifically selected
and prepared for the purpose." And while antibacterial honey is commercially
available, honeys with high-levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
qualities are still being researched. Also, honey, like other foods, begins to
dissolve once it comes in contact with saliva. Work is being done to develop a
gelled honey for wound dressings that is slow to break down in the mouth
