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. 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.