I felt like my dentist was prying when he repeatedly questioned me about using herbal supplements. I don't think he believes in the medicinal use of herbs. Does your dentist need to know if you are taking herbal supplements?

Millions of people use herbs like Echinacea, Barberry bark, Myrrh gum, Horehound, Speedwell and Ginger root as dental therapies. Dentists debate the efficacy of herbs to treat toothaches, bad breath and gum disease. Perhaps it is this controversy that discourages patients from discussing herbs with their dentist. Instead of lecturing patients, dentists should recognize alternative dental therapies and help patients understand scientifically-based studies that address the safe, effective use of herbs in dentistry.

It is important that dentists know the herbal supplements patients take to avoid potentially serious drug interactions. Ginkgo, Ginger and Ginseng may alter bleeding time and should not be used with warfarin sodium. When Valerian is used concomitantly with barbituates, excessive sedation may occur. Some herbs can be dangerous alone when taken in excess. For example, high consumption of herbal tea can lower blood pressure and cause patients to faint when they lay back in the dental chair.

Remember, a drug is any therapeutic agent used in the prevention, diagnosis, alleviation, treatment or cure of disease. An herb is a plant valued for its medicinal purpose, flavor or scent. According to Dr. Richard Wynn, Professor of Pharmacology at University of Maryland Dental School, common dental herbs include: Echinacea, St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Valerian, Aloe, Garlic, Amica montana, Feverfew, Par d'Arco, Grape seed, Green tea, Saw Palmetto, Sosamine DS, Dong Quai and Kava-kava. Although these herbs are popular, they are not necessarily safe or effective dental treatments.

Some herbs, as well as some synthetic drugs, deserve a place in mainstream dentistry. It is important for dentists and patients to view herbs as potentially helpful or harmful drugs. Herbs are not necessarily harmless plants. Open communication facilitates our understanding of dental herb therapies.