As more consumers question what goes into their personal care products, one local entrepreneur is bringing renewed attention to a botanical with a long and complex history: bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis).

Recognizable by the deep red sap that gives it its name, bloodroot is a perennial plant native to eastern North America. Indigenous tribes historically used it for a range of medicinal purposes, including respiratory, skin and oral applications. Today, Conrad E. LeBeau, founder of Bloodroot, is exploring its potential role in modern oral hygiene.

LeBeau’s interest began decades ago with a toothpaste called Viadent, which contained bloodroot extract. Originally manufactured by Vipont Pharmaceuticals in Colorado and later acquired by Colgate-Palmolive Co. in 1989, the product developed a loyal following before disappearing from store shelves after nearly 20 years.

Online archives still feature testimonials from former users who report improvements in gum health. When the product became unavailable, LeBeau says he began researching the plant more deeply.

“I couldn’t understand why something that helped so many people was suddenly gone,” he says. “So I started looking into the science and history of bloodroot.”

A Natural Root with Healing Properties: Bloodroot contains sanguinarine, an alkaloid studied for its antimicrobial properties. In the 1980s and 1990s, oral care products containing sanguinarine were marketed for plaque and gingivitis reduction, but the American Dental Association did not grant its seal of acceptance to sanguinarine-based products, citing insufficient evidence of safety and effectiveness.

Bloodroot remains a powerful botanical, and health professionals caution that concentrated forms require careful use. “Natural” does not always mean risk-free, particularly with plants containing bioactive compounds.

The story of bloodroot reflects a broader conversation unfolding in natural health circles—how to responsibly integrate traditional plant wisdom with modern research and safety standards.

“I believe there’s room for both modern dentistry and traditional knowledge,” LeBeau says. “It’s about being informed and respectful of the plant.”

Using Bloodroot for Dental Health: LeBeau now produces a small-batch bloodroot extract intended as a topical oral care supplement. He emphasizes that it is not a substitute for professional dental treatment.

“I always encourage people to work with their dentist,” he says. “This is about supporting oral hygiene as part of a broader wellness approach.”

His customers are often individuals seeking holistic or biological dental options. Interest in botanical oral care has grown alongside increasing awareness of the oral microbiome and the connection between gum inflammation and systemic health.

Research continues to explore links between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, metabolic imbalance and cognitive decline. From an integrative perspective, oral health plays a role in overall well-being.

How to use Bloodroot extract

Add to toothpaste. Squeeze ½ inch of toothpaste onto your toothbrush. Using a dropper, poke 4 holes in the toothpaste and fill with bloodroot extract. Brush teeth as usual.

Q-Tip method: Dip Q-Tip into the extract and apply directly to any tooth that is bothering you. Let it dry. Wait 5 minutes before eating/drinking.

Mouth rinse method: Add 10 to 15 drops to one tablespoon of water. Swish in your mouth and hold for 3 to 5 minutes, then expel.

Customers can purchase Bloodroot directly in the toothpaste aisle at the Health Hut in, West Allis, or Hales Corners. Holistic Dentists: LeBeau suggests that patients will benefit significantly from the daily use of Bloodroot extract for healthier teeth and mouth and encourages those interested to call 414-231-9817 or visit LeBeauBooks.com for more information