World Oral Health Day 2025: 5 leaves that keep your teeth and gums healthy

World Oral Health Day 2025: If your oral and dental hygiene includes quick back-and-forth scrubs on the teeth, a few swipes over the tongue, a gargle and a rinse, then this half-hearted, rushed routine can leave behind plaque, bacteria, and a hidden food particle that may cause bad breath, cavities and gum disease.

Oral health and hygiene is not only about brushing and flossing every day. Apart from the everyday oral hygiene, several other remedies can help boost your oral health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 3.5 billion people worldwide deal with some form of oral disease.

Prevention is key and what better way than to rely on Mother Nature to boost your oral health naturally? Here are 5 powerful leaves that can boost your oral hygiene, plus simple ways to use them:

Oral benefits of guava leaves: guava leaf extract helps fight Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and plaque (Image: Canva)

• Guava leaves: Guava leaves are packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory goodness, making them a great natural fix for gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Studies show that guava leaf extract helps fight Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and plaque.

Usage: Boil a handful of guava leaves in water, let it cool, and use it as a mouth rinse. Chew fresh guava leaves for quick relief from gum inflammation.

Benefits of mint leaves: They help neutralise bad breath, promote saliva production (which prevents dry mouth), and even fight oral bacteria (Image: Canva)

• Mint leaves: If you want a natural way to keep your breath fresh, mint leaves are your best friend. Research suggests that mint helps neutralise bad breath, promotes saliva production (which prevents dry mouth), and even fights oral bacteria.

Usage: Crush a few fresh mint leaves, mix them with water, and use it as a quick, natural mouthwash. Chew raw mint leaves after meals for an instant breath refresher.

Benefits of curry leaves: They have strong antibacterial properties that reduce harmful oral bacteria and promote healthier gums (Image: Canva)

• Curry leaves: Curry leaves are used for cooking, and they also help fight plaque, gum infections, and tooth discolouration. A study found that curry leaves have strong antibacterial properties that reduce harmful oral bacteria and promote healthier gums.

Usage: Chew a few curry leaves in the morning to keep your mouth clean and fresh. Dry curry leaves, grind them into a powder, and use it as a natural toothpowder.

Health benefits of tulsi leaves: Tulsi helps kill harmful oral bacteria and keeps your gums healthy (Image: Canva)

• Tulsi leaves: Tulsi is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great remedy for gum infections, mouth ulcers, and swelling. According to studies, tulsi helps kill harmful oral bacteria and keeps your gums healthy.

Usage: Chew fresh tulsi leaves in the morning for a natural mouth cleanser. Brew a cup of tulsi tea and use it as an antibacterial mouth rinse.

Benefits of moringa leaves: Moringa helps regenerate tooth structure after cavities or injuries (Image: Canva)

• Moringa leaves: Moringa leaves are packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help with gum healing and oral infections. Research from PubMed even suggests that moringa may help regenerate tooth structure after cavities or injuries.

Usage: Crush fresh moringa leaves, mix with water, and apply it to swollen gums for a few minutes before rinsing. Brew moringa tea and use it as a natural antibacterial mouthwash.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.