Oral Surgery and Antibiotics
Answered by: Christine Dennis
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: January 28, 2008

I am undergoing oral surgery and do not want to take the prescribed antibiotics. What type of herbs would be good in place of antiboditics and to strengthen the gums?

In the case of oral surgery you are taking a huge gamble by not taking the antibiotics. The mouth is home to many different types of bacteria, and some that may be potentially very dangerous if it gets into your blood stream. I recommend that you take the antibiotics.

Herbs that help to strengthen the gums include sage and oak bark used as a gargle due to the astringent properties they possess. This astringency helps to strengthen the outer layer on the gums and keeps the bacteria in check. They do not kill all types of bacteria. Myrrh tincture in water has also been used as a gargle to harden the gums.

Reducing sugar and salt in the diet is beneficial for the gums as is vitamin C and calcium.

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