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Herbs Used in Dentistry

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Alok Kumar Sethi Gunjan Kumar

Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences KIIT University
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Review Article

Herbs Used in Dentistry: Need of the New Era

Samikshya Jena, Gunjan Kumar, Dhirendra Kumar Singh1, Alok Kumar Sethi2
Departments of Public Health Dentistry, Periodontics and Oral Implantology and 2Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, KIIT Deemed to
1

be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Abstract
In India, the medical system is developed in terms of “Ayurveda.” It is an unconventional medicinal system developed in India many years ago,
now being practiced as alternative medicine worldwide. The understanding of medicinal plants has been gathered for hundreds of years, based
on different curative methods such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. The field of dentistry has also started making use of the medicinal properties
of herbal plants for the purpose of relieving dental pain, periodontal problems, and canker sores. Antiseptics, antibacterial, antimicrobial,
antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, and analgesic agents derived from plants are of extensive interest in dentistry. Herbal plant extracts are also
available in many forms which can be utilized. As the herbal medicines do not cause addiction or allergic reactions, they can be used for a long
time with properly prescribed dosage and time. However, some of the herbal plants may also cause some side effects to the human population.

Keywords: Antibacterial, dentistry, health care, herbal plant, lethal

Introduction Ayurveda are used as an adjunct for oral health care, which
has shown to be safe and fruitful through ages. The field
In India, the medical system is developed in terms of
of dentistry has also started utilizing herbal properties for
“Ayurveda” which merges the Sanskrit word “Ayur” (life)
the purpose of relieving tooth pain, periodontal problems,
and “Veda” (Science of knowledge). The written sources
and canker sores.[5] However, it is of great importance to
of the classical books are known as “The Vedas.” Srila
understand the interactivity of the plant extracts with the
Vyasadeva wrote down the Vedas for the first time,
body and other medications, as many of these extracts have
which include a branch called the Ayurveda. Ayurveda
anti‑inflammatory effects and prevent bleeding, which is
originated over 5000 years ago in the Himalaya.[1] Ayurveda
important in dental treatment. Antiseptics, antibacterial,
means maintaining a proper balance with nature. It is an
antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, and
unconventional medicinal system developed in India many
analgesic agents derived from the plants are of widespread
years ago, now being practiced as alternative medicine
interest in dentistry.[6]
worldwide. This is one of the earliest systems of medicine
and is a rich reservoir for dentistry. [2] The purpose of According to the World Health Organization, over
Ayurvedic medicines was to harmonize and maintain the three‑quarter of the world’s population rely on herbal plants
body, mind, and spirit. This equilibrium is believed to lead for primary health‑care needs. Herbs are used as antibacterial
the good spirit and prevent illness.[1] The understanding of agents as they pierce and destroy the cell walls of both
medicinal plants has been gathered for hundreds of years, Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative bacteria causing the
based on many medicinal methods of prevention from demolition of the bacterial cells.[7] Due to the advantageous
diseases such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha.[3] The body
structure is divided based on the predominance of any of
Address for correspondence: Dr. Samikshya Jena,
three physical humors (dosha). Inconsistency in any one MDS, Department of Public Health Dentistry,
of these doshas regulates health maintenance in Ayurveda Kalinga Istitute of Dental Sciences, Campus-5, KIIT Deemed to be University,
and dental health.[4] Many herbs and medicated plants in Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
E‑mail: [email protected]
Received: 16‑12‑2020 Revised: 05-02-2021 Accepted: 07‑02‑2021
Published: 09‑03‑2021
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DOI: How to cite this article: Jena S, Kumar G, Singh DK, Sethi AK. Herbs
10.4103/jpcdoh.jpcdoh_7_20 used in dentistry: Need of the new era. J Prim Care Dent Oral Health
2021;2:11-3.

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Jena, et al.: Herbs used in dentistry

properties of herbal products such as antibacterial, Toxicity

anti‑inflammatory, astringents, anesthetic, and anticariogenic
Toxicity refers to the relative ability of a substance to
effect, dentistry has noticed the track of these herbal products
cause adverse effects in living organisms. Herbal products
in the form of toothpastes, mouthwashes, root canal irrigants,
storage media for avulsed tooth, tooth whiteners, etc.[8] have the potential to cause unexpected bleeding in patients
Hence, the objective of this review is to showcase some undergoing surgery.[17-19] It may also cause gastrointestinal
current examples of conventional medicinal plant extracts or disturbances, allergic reactions, fatigue, dizziness, confusion,
phytochemicals that demonstrates the significance of herbal dry mouth, and photosensitivity. Medicinal plants contain
plants in dentistry.[9] bioactive compounds which demonstrate both intra‑ and
interspecies variation in type and content. Several plants
used in conventional medicine or used as dietary uptake
Herbs Used in Dentistry have illustrated some harmful (mutagenic and carcinogenic)
Herbal treatments have been used worldwide, it is effects. However, some of the lethal plants are helpful to
mostly used in the treatment of numerous illness in both humans as medicines and also as pesticides, for example,
developed as well as developing nations. Even though at Datura (tropane alkaloids), Digitalis (cardiac glycosides),
this time only very few herbs have been accepted for their and Pyrethrum (pyrethrin insecticides). Similarly, Momordica
therapeutic effects, a huge bulk of naturally existing herbs charantia, a well‑known antidiabetic and antimalarial plant
are considered as dietary additives because of the absence which is used in Ghana as an abortifacient, has apparently
of randomized controlled clinical trials. At present, several caused life‑threatening hypoglycemia in children.[20-23]
studies are being conducted to know the detail about the
herbs. The uses of different herbs in dentistry are listed in
Table 1. Recommendation of Herbal Medicine in Dentistry
India is a country with a wide variety of vegetation, which
has a massive medicinal value. Many of the plants are yet to
Forms of Herbal Products that Can be Used in be explored in the future times. In the recent era, Ayurveda
Dentistry is been promoted for its health benefits and less toxicity.
Herbal plants are available in various forms in the market Easy availability of natural resources is also a prime factor
so that they can be utilized easily. Different forms of herbal to uplift the herbal medicines in the recent time scenario.
products are listed in Table 2. Different studies are being conducted to know about the health

Table 1: Uses of different herbs in dentistry

Plant Uses
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Breath freshener reduces toothache in periodontitis, anesthetic, and treatment of bleeding gums[9]
German chamomile Gingivitis, periodontal disease, and cure oral ulcers in mouthwash form[9]
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca Breaks down the microorganisms in the oral cavity preceding the dental surgery, removes smear layer when used as
alternifolia) a root canal irrigant, and relieves mouth soreness caused by dental procedures[9]
Coconut water (Cocos nucifera) Reduces inflammation, root canal irrigant (antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties) and storage media for
avulsed tooth[9]
Propolis Dental caries, gingivitis, storage medium, intracanal medicament, dentinal hypersensitivity, stomatitis, halitosis,
periodontal pocket/abscess, lichen planus, candidal infections, xerostomia, traumatic ulcers, pulp capping, and
pericoronitis[9]
Triphala Dental caries, bleeding, and ulcerated gums[9]
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Anticarcinogenic, antibacterial, halitosis, pit and fissure sealant, and dental plaque detection system. Massaging the
aching teeth with roasted, ground turmeric eliminates pain and swelling[9]
Aloe (Aloe arborescens Mill.) Periodontal surgery, toothpick injuries, aphthous ulcers, gum abscesses, dry socket, lichen planus, benign pemphigus
and gingival problems associated with AIDS, leukemia, migratory glossitis, geographic tongue and burning mouth
syndrome, denture sore mouth, candidiasis, desquamative gingivitis, vesiculobullous diseases, acute monocytic
leukemia, and xerostomia[10]
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Antioxidative, antistress, and immunomodulatory[11]
Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Gulkhair ‑ Healing, antiseptic, antiulcerative, diuretic, tonic, stimulant, and antimicrobial. It is shown as an alternative
Wild coffee) intracanal medicament[12]
Mustard tree (Salvadora persica Sticks contain natural antibiotics, fluoride, and other anticavity components 15% of alcoholic extracts of it has
Linn) maximum antimicrobial action. It can be used as a substitute for NaOCl and chlorhexidine as root canal irrigant[12]
Curcuma longa Inhibits growth and spread of various cancers such as lung, esophagus, liver, colon, prostate, head and neck, and skin[13]
Neem (Azadirachta indica) Anti‑inflammatory and wound healing properties[14]
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) A seed extract has antioxidant enzyme induction and cancer‑related signal pathway blockage effect and
anti‑inflammatory effect[15]
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn) Leaf extracts have antioxidant effect, wound healing property, antimicrobial effect, and anti‑tumorigenic effect[16]

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Jena, et al.: Herbs used in dentistry

Table 2: Different forms of herbal products that can be used in dentistry

Plant Form that can be uses Benefits
Sanguinaria Paste and oral rinse Decreases plaque and gingival inflammation in an orthodontic population
Acacia Gum Potentially inhibit early plaque formation
Arak Chewing stick Oral hygiene
Miswak Chewing stick Combined with the mechanical action of its fibers may have a beneficial action
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Mouth wash Gingivitis and periodontal disease
Sage (Botanical name: Salvia officinalis) Mouth wash Inflammation of the mouth, throat, and tonsils
Thyme Fluid extract Chronic candidiasis and halitosis

beneficial properties of edible plants. Focus is made on the A review. Pharm Biol 2017;55:1992‑8.
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Financial support and sponsorship 16. Utispan K, Niyomtham N, Yingyongnarongkul BE, Koontongkaew S.
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Nil.
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