TP Chaturvedi
Professor, Division of Orthodontics and General Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, 4GF Jodhpur Colony, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India

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Abstract

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a dye, a flavoring, and a medicinal herb. In India, it has been used traditionally as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments, as well as topically to heal sores. Ancient Indian medicine has touted turmeric as an herb with the ability to provide glow and luster to the skin as well as vigor and vitality to the entire body. Since turmeric has antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, and other useful properties, it is quite useful in Dentistry also. The objective of this article is to highlight various uses of turmeric in the dental field along with its use in medical problems.

Keywords: Dental infections, herbal medicine, turmeric

Therapeutic Actions of Turmeric

1. It protects against free radical damage because it is a strong antioxidant. ^[1]
2. It reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and possibly by increasing the production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. ^[2]
3. It protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. ^[3]
4. It has been shown to prevent platelets from clumping together, which in turn improves circulation and may help protect against atherosclerosis. ^[4]
5. Laboratory tests have found that turmeric is antimutagenic, as it potentially helps prevent new cancers that are caused by chemotherapy or radiation used to treat existing cancers. It effectively inhibits metastasis (uncontrolled spread) of melanoma (skin cancer) cells ^[5],[6] and may be especially useful in deactivating the carcinogens in cigarette smoke and chewing tobacco.
6. Curcumin inhibits HIV in test tubes, though human trials are needed to determine if it has any usefulness for treating humans with this condition. ^[7],[8]
7. Curcumin is also useful for reducing inflammation and symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the joints. Turmeric in the diet may prevent pain from arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. ^[9]
8. A separate double-blind clinical trial found that curcumin was superior to placebo or phenylbutazone (a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID]) for alleviating post-surgical inflammation. ^[10]
9. Turmeric in the diet increases the production of enzymes that digest fats and sugars and stop cholesterol from forming gallstones. Turmeric is helpful for people with indigestion. Results in people with stomach or intestinal ulcers have not shown it to be superior to a placebo and have demonstrated it to be less effective than antacids. ^{[11],[12],[13]}
10. Preliminary research indicates a possible benefit of oral curcumin supplementation for chronic anterior uveitis (inflammation of the iris and middle coat of the eyeball). ^[14]
11. Turmeric is exceedingly useful in the treatment of some urinary disorders such as diabetes mellitus. ^[15]
12. Turmeric stimulates the secretion of bile, is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, eases stomach pain, and is an antioxidant. Turmeric in the diet increases the production of enzymes that digest fats and sugars and stops cholesterol from forming gallstones. ^[16]
13. When applied to the skin and exposed to sunlight, turmeric is strongly anti-bacterial.
14. It can be used for parasitic infections.
15. Fresh juice from the rhizome or a paste prepared from turmeric or decoction is often used as a local application as well as internally in the treatment of leprosy, snake bites, and vomiting associated with pregnancy. ^[17]
16. In case of smallpox and chickenpox, turmeric is applied as a powder or as a paste to facilitate the process of scabbing. ^[18],[19]
17. Turmeric powder with alum powders are mixed in a proportion of 1 to 20 and is blown into an ear that has chronic discharge or otorrhoea.

Dental Application of Turmeric

• Rinsing the mouth with turmeric water (boil 5 g of turmeric powder, two cloves, and two dried leaves of guava in 200 g water) gives instant relief.
• Massaging the aching teeth with roasted, ground turmeric eliminates pain and swelling.
• Applying the powder of burnt turmeric pieces and bishop's weed seed on teeth and cleaning them makes the gums and teeth strong.
• Applying a paste made from 1 tsp of turmeric with ½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp of mustard oil provides relief from gingivitis and periodontitis. Rub the teeth and gums with this paste twice daily.

Summary

References

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21.	Available from: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4261879.html. [last access on 2008 Feb 20]
22.	Available from: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/EP1792581A1.html. [last access on 2008 Feb 20]

Correspondence Address:
T P Chaturvedi
Professor, Division of Orthodontics and General Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, 4GF Jodhpur Colony, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh
India

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

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DOI: 10.4103/0970-9290.49065