Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The global rise in interest toward herbal oral care products has brought significant focus on the phytoconstituents present in herbal toothpastes. Unlike conventional formulations containing fluoride, triclosan, and chlorhexidine, herbal preparations utilize natural bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and essential oils derived from plants like neem, clove, licorice, and miswak. These phytoconstituents exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and plaque-inhibiting actions that contribute to maintaining gingival health. This review summarizes the mechanisms of plaque formation, the role of active phytoconstituents, their pharmacological actions, and compares them with conventional agents. Safety aspects, current evidence from clinical and laboratory studies, and future research prospects are also discussed to highlight the therapeutic potential of herbal-based oral care products. Keywords: Herbal toothpaste; Phytoconstituents; Dental plaque; Gingival health; Antimicrobial activity
Authors: Rajveer Bhaskar, Monika Ola, Sonali Matkar
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7154293953