---
title: Purified Silver for Oral Health
description: Purified silver showed antimicrobial activity against oral bacteria linked to plaque, cavities, and periodontal disease without inducing resistance.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/featured/adobestock_298873968.jpeg
---

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Research & Education

# Purified Silver for Oral Health

DM Danielle C. Male, MS, CNS, LDN Mar 30, 2023

![Purified Silver for Oral Health](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/featured/adobestock_298873968.jpeg?width=960)

Silver is a [transition metal](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315945/) with a long history of clinical use. The [earliest recorded](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315945/) clinical purpose of silver dates back to the Han Dynasty in China in 1500 B.C.E. In [modern times](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468711/), there has been considerable attention given to silver for its ability to promote oral health and support a healthy oral microbial environment.

Oral health support has become a global demand, regardless of age or gender. The [severity and prevalence](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468711/) of dental caries and periodontal diseases have increased in the last few decades. For instance, the incidence of [periodontal disease](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468711/) is estimated to affect [20% to 50% of the global population](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468711/).

The potential [antimicrobial properties](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468711/) of silver-containing agents have been investigated to support a healthy oral microbial environment. It is understood that [certain bacterial strains](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468711/) contribute to the formation and progression of [dental plaque, dental caries, and periodontal diseases](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468711/), including *Streptococcus mutans*, *Streptococcus sanguis*, and *Streptococcus salivarius.*

In vitro research by [Tran and colleagues](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468711/) concluded that silver-containing gel attenuated the biofilm formation of *S. mutans, S. sanguis, and S. salivarius. Although further research is necessary, it is proposed that silver in gel form (such as that in toothpaste) may help attenuate* [plaque formation in the mouth](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468711/)*.*

In vitro research by [Vila Domínguez and colleagues](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7167925/) revealed that silver-containing agents mitigated the proliferation of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including 270 strains of *A. baumannii*, *P. aeruginosa*, *E. coli*, *S. aureus*, *S. epidermidis*, and *Enterococcus* spp. Furthermore, silver-containing agents have been shown in vitro to attenuate the [demineralization of enamel and dentin under acid or cariogenic biofilm challenges](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7212989/) and support [dental collagen matrix status](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7212989/), both of which may be clinically relevant to those with dental caries.

Current research has determined [three potential](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315945/) methods on how silver promotes a healthy oral microbial environment. For one, silver may form pores and puncture the bacterial cell wall. Second, silver may enter the bacterial cell wall, inhibit cellular respiration, and disrupt metabolic pathways. Third, silver may disrupt bacterial cell DNA and its replication cycle.

Research suggests that silver-containing agents [do not generate bacterial resistance](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7212989/), which may be relevant for longer-term clinical benefits. The diversity and health of the oral microbial environment may be associated with a lower risk of developing any problematic oral conditions. Adding silver-containing agents to standard dental treatment and oral hygiene practices may be clinically beneficial to support oral health and promote a healthy oral microbial environment.

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### Danielle C. Male, MS, CNS, LDN

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

![Periobiotic™ Silver](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lemtscrs/production-www/6103e446f712ff77772bab16b5f783adb3a74f18-2000x2000.png?w=128&h=128&fit=max&auto=format)

Periobiotic™ Silver

Fluoride-free probiotic toothpaste with silver

[Explore Formulations →](https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/periobiotic-silver-spearmint-toothpaste)

## Continue your research

#### [Science Update Hanging Out with Prebiotic Nitrate: A New Frontier in Oral Health Oct 16, 2025](https://www.casi.org/articles/prebiotic-nitrate-new-frontier-oral-health)

#### [Research & Education Lactobacillus paracasei: Powerful Probiotic for Oral Microbial Balance Apr 26, 2024](https://www.casi.org/articles/lactobacillus-paracasei-powerful-probiotic-oral-microbial-balance)

#### [Research & Education The Truth About Mouthwash and Heart Health Apr 09, 2024](https://www.casi.org/articles/truth-about-mouthwash-and-heart-health)

#### [Research & Education The Growing Connection Between Oral Microbiome and Cardiovascular Health Apr 04, 2024](https://www.casi.org/articles/growing-connection-oral-microbiome-cardiovascular-health)

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