DOI: 10.36347/sjds.2015.v02i08.006

Pages: 449-453

The utilization of medicinal plants in dentistry represents a promising and burgeoning field of research, bridging traditional ethnobotanical knowledge with modern scientific inquiry in the pursuit of novel, cost-effective and biocompatible therapeutic agents. The rising prevalence of oral diseases, coupled with the challenges of antibiotic resistance and the adverse effects associated with available chemotherapeutic agents, has catalyzed a renewed interest in natural alternatives for the prevention and management of a wide spectrum of dental pathologies. The paper examines the application of various medicinal plants and their bioactive phytochemical constituents in dental care. The therapeutic potential of these botanicals is vast, with demonstrated efficacy spanning anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiplaque activities. Specific plant extracts, such as those from Aloe vera, turmeric (Curcuma longa), green tea (Camellia sinensis), neem (Azadirachta indica), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) are commonly used in various combinations. Their applications are diverse, including their use as ingredients in toothpastes and mouthwashes for controlling dental plaque and gingivitis, as intracanal medicaments in endodontics, as agents to promote wound healing following oral surgical procedures, and as natural anticariogenic compounds that inhibit the growth of cariogenic bacteria. The mechanisms of action are attributed to a complex synergy of their chemical components, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids, which can interfere with microbial adhesion and biofilm formation, modulate the host inflammatory response and scavenge free radicals. In conclusion, the rich repository of medicinal plants offers a valuable and largely untapped resource for developing complementary and alternative strategies in preventive and therapeutic dentistry. Their integration into mainstream dental practice holds signif