Oral Care: Manuka Honey Benefits for Oral Health
Pure honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy in different societies in herbal, folk, and traditional medicine.
Science has now come to the table and validated the use of Manuka honey as an attested antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent.
Not all honey provides these benefits, however. Only rare varieties of healing honey can fight gum infections, prevent tooth decay, remove plaque, and heal wounds and ulcers.
The medicinal potency of Manuka honey makes it a useful ingredient in the germ-fighting arsenal for both humans and pets.
Manuka honey stands as a testament to the remarkable healing capabilities of nature when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile.
Manuka Honey Benefits for Dental Health
Most dental problems including halitosis (severe bad breath) are caused by bacteria present in the mouth. Despite maintaining good oral hygiene, there will be some buildup of bacterial biofilm or residue in your teeth and gums. This can lead to everything from tooth decay and plaque to gingivitis and severe gum disease.
Left unchecked, plaque on your teeth can weaken them in the long term. When used orally, Manuka honey acts as a barrier to bacteria, helps clean the teeth, and removes dental plaque. By breaking down these germs it prevents tooth decay, cavities and tooth loss.
Manuka’s ability to work on bacterial infections affecting your teeth is well documented by scientific research.
The reason it works so well is its unique chemical composition, particularly the presence of not one but three compounds: Hydrogen Peroxide, Non-Peroxide Activity and Methylglyoxal (MGO).
Hydrogen Peroxide and Non-Peroxide Activity are properties derived from the nectar of the Manuka flower itself, while Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a rarer chemical reaction that occurs when bees turn the Manuka flower nectar into pure honey. This MGO in the harvested Manuka honey then develops over a further 12-24 months to attain the high bioactivity levels found in Biosota’s pure medicinal-strength Manuka honey.
Anyone who has suffered from toothaches due to cavities and tooth decay knows how painful it gets. Manuka honey contains anti-inflammatory properties that can provide sweet relief
When used daily as a part of your oral care regime, this medicinal honey can prevent gum infections and delay the onset of gum disease.
Manuka Honey Benefits for Gingivitis & Gum Disease
Sugary foods, untreated cavities, and poor dental hygiene can lead to oral infection in your teeth, roots, and gum. The result is tooth decay, root infections, bleeding gums, gingivitis and tooth loss.
When left untreated, these infections can spread to the bone, deeper tissue, and cells in your gums. This leads to various gum and periodontal diseases that are irreversible but treatable.
Both oral infection and disease can cause pain, swelling, and irritation around the affected area. Preventing the spread of bad bacteria can prevent gum infections in the initial stages and treat gum disease later on.
Manuka honey can kill a wide spectrum of harmful bacteria in your mouth and heal the wounds formed in the gums (gingiva) at the base of your teeth. While it does contains natural sugar, its therapeutic properties prevent the sugar from attaching to your teeth, so you can indulge your sweet tooth guilt-free with Manuka honey.
Gum disease and certain lifestyle habits can cause severe bad breath. When used as a regular mouthwash or with toothpaste, the antioxidants in manuka can reduce bad breath to a great extent.
Manuka Honey Benefits for Ulcers & Wounds
Manuka honey can also be used to help heal painful tooth abscesses, mouth ulcers, and post-surgery molar extraction wounds.
Its high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) and antibacterial properties make it effective in combating infections and healing wounds, while its soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities provide relief from the discomfort associated with mouth ulcers and post-surgery pain.
Manuka honey has also been clinically proven to heal wounds caused by the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy cancer treatment, such as ulcers of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract lining.
How to Use Manuka Honey for Oral Care
To harness its full antibacterial and healing spectrum, ensure you use high-grade manuka with good MGO strength - we recommend a minimum of MGO 550+.
For better dental health and to treat oral infections, simply take 1-2 teaspoons as a mouthwash and swirl it around the mouth to coat the teeth and gums, or allow to drizzle down the back of the tonsils and throat, and wait before eating or drinking.
Manuka honey can also be applied directly to the gums, inflamed areas, painful teeth or mouth ulcers using a clean finger or soft toothbrush.
For pets
If you’re giving Manuka honey orally to your pets, start with small doses and give it twice daily. Stick to a teaspoon for smaller pets and 1–2 teaspoons for larger animals.
Biosota Organics Manuka honey sticks offer a mess-free way to administer single-dose serving to your pets and animals.
Here are some customers who have seen positive results for their pets:
Download our free guide: Manuka Honey Benefits for Oral Health
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