Herbal plants and their antimicrobial role in oral health: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Herbal plants have gained prominence in the field of oral hygiene and care because of their inherent properties, such as being antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant. This review aims to focus on some of the prominent herbs such as neem, clove, timur, and tulsi, along with some other medicinal plants, and their potential in treating some of the commonly encountered oral health issues such as plaque, gingivitis, and microbial infections. These herbs contain active ingredients such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and essential oils, which contribute to their medicinal properties. Various herbal formulations, such as mouthwashes, toothpastes, and gels, have shown promising benefits, making them safer alternatives to chemical-based ingredients. Although a number of studies have shown positive results, more research is warranted to validate their safety profile and efficacy.