'Using fresh aloe vera gel to brush your teeth helps whiten them,' what do experts say?

Using aloe vera gel for brushing teeth and washing hair can offer certain benefits. However, when using aloe vera gel to treat skin, hair, or dental problems, it's necessary to consult a professional to choose the right product.

Recently, information has been circulating on social media claiming that using fresh aloe vera gel to brush teeth will whiten them and that using it to wash hair will make it darker and shinier. Commenting on this information, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Triet, Deputy Head of the Department of Traditional Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Ho Chi Minh City, stated that aloe vera sap (concentrated to form a hard mass called aloe, a medicinal ingredient in traditional medicine) mainly contains compounds belonging to the anthranoid group such as aloe-emodin, aloetic-acid, anthranol, barbaloin, isobarbaloin, emodin, etc., whose main effects are laxative and purgative. Meanwhile, aloe vera gel mainly contains polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins, enzymes, a small amount of anthraquinones (if most of the sap has been removed), and some inorganic components.

Aloe vera gel is very good, but you should consult a doctor before using it.

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Numerous studies suggest that the polysaccharides in aloe vera gel possess therapeutic properties such as immune stimulation, anti-inflammatory effects, wound healing, radiation damage repair promotion, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer, hematopoietic stimulation, and antioxidant effects.

Aloe vera gel has been shown to increase the transdermal absorption of compounds depending on their molecular weight. Some components of aloe vera gel themselves also penetrate the skin, and this depends on the molecular weight of the compounds applied together. The higher the molecular weight of the combined compound, the less of the gel component is transported through the skin.

Several other studies have also shown that aloe vera-containing toothpaste effectively controls bacteria that cause tooth decay. The ability of aloe vera gel to kill and eliminate harmful microorganisms is due to compounds called anthraquinones (mainly in the sap), which have anti-inflammatory effects; however, the content of these substances may not be high if the sap (which has a bitter taste) is removed. Aloe vera contains no abrasive substances, therefore it is less harmful to teeth and is a better alternative for people with sensitive teeth.

According to Dr. Nguyen Thanh Triet, a pharmacist, the above observations suggest that using aloe vera gel for brushing teeth and washing hair may offer some benefits. However, the results may be inconsistent depending on the processing methods (whether it's clean or not, and whether the sap and other accompanying active ingredients besides polysaccharides are removed). Therefore, while general use is generally harmless, for treating skin, hair, or dental problems, it's necessary to consult a specialist to choose suitable products that have been standardized in terms of preparation methods, active ingredients, and accompanying excipients.

Some benefits of aloe vera

Aloe vera is widely known as a plant with medicinal properties. Not only does it improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and control blood sugar, but aloe vera also offers many other benefits for the skin.

Aloe vera gel, thanks to its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, is often used as an ingredient in the production of skincare products, from moisturizers to face masks.

Soothe sunburns. One of the most notable benefits of aloe vera for the skin is its ability to soothe sunburns. Applying aloe vera gel reduces the burning and stinging sensation caused by sunburn. Some research evidence suggests that aloe vera significantly reduces skin redness from UV exposure. This is because aloe vera gel has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.

Treating acne. Thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera is also used to treat acne. Studies show that applying aloe vera gel to pimples, acne, or red, irritated skin areas helps soothe and reduce pain. Additionally, the skin is less likely to develop acne and may even reduce acne scarring.

Aloe vera gel is a natural antidote for skin irritation. Aloe vera not only helps treat acne but can also improve other skin problems. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been shown to be effective for psoriasis and eczema, according to Everyday Health .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dung-gel-nha-dam-danh-rang-goi-dau-co-tot-185240610170504574.htm