Herbal Dentifrices: Emerging Trends and Patterns

Background: Herbal extracts have been employed since ages in dentistry as tooth cleansing and antimicrobial agents. The use of herbal medicines continues to expand and trend rapidly across the world. Herbal extracts have been used in dentistry for multiple uses as reducing inflammation, as antimicrobial plaque agents, for preventing release of histamine and as antiseptics, antioxidants, antimicrobials and analgesics. They also aid in healing process and are very effective in controlling microbial plaque and other disorders related to gums. Objective: The present review aims towards the combined review as well as compilation of available herbs under the category of various dental associated problems. Materials and Methods: The herbs were studied by sectioning them as for looking after different works or findings done against dental caries, tooth ache, scouring teeth, gum troubles and herbs as mouth fresheners. Results: Herbal extracts have been used on a large scale in dentistry as tooth cleansing and antimicrobial plaque agents. Many people take herbal derived medicines or herbal based products for the purpose of reducing inflammation, as antimicrobial agents, for preventing release of histamine and as antiseptics, antioxidants, antifungals, antibacterials, antivirals and analgesics. Herbal extracts are used in dentistry for treatment of various dental disorders. Conclusion: The use of herbal medicines are blooming rapidly across the world. Herbal extracts and the various herbs on the whole or their specific parts have been used in dentistry. They relieve the problems of gums and act as excellent mouth fresheners. The natural herbal remedies act as an effective substitute to antibiotics and represent a promising approach for prevention and as therapeutic strategies for various oral infections as they are natural, eradicate the problem from its root and provide long lasting relief. The herbal remedies are advantageous over conventional treatment.