Herbal Formulations in Modern Dentistry: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Their Therapeutic Applications, Clinical Effectiveness, Safety, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The integration of herbal formulations into modern dentistry has gained significant momentum due to growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance, synthetic chemical adverse effects. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the therapeutic efficacy, mechanisms of action, and clinical performance of plant-derived agents incorporated into four primary dental delivery systems: dentifrices, topical gels, mouthwashes, and intracanal medicaments. Evidence demonstrates that herbal toothpastes, gels, and rinses exhibit potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, yielding reductions in plaque indices, gingival inflammation, and bleeding scores comparable to conventional standards like chlorhexidine and fluoride in short-term assessments. In endodontics, herbal intracanal medicaments effectively inhibit E. faecalis biofilms while preserving root dentin microhardness and showing minimal cytotoxicity compared to traditional calcium hydroxide. In conclusion, herbal dental formulations serve as highly promising, biocompatible adjuncts for preventive and therapeutic ora  healthcare. Future long-term, multicenter randomized controlled trials are essential to establish standardized dosing, safety parameters, and regulatory guidelines for routine dental practice.

Key words: Phytotherapy, Oral Health, Herbal formulations, Periodontal diseases, Dental Caries