Exploring the Non-Toxic Therapeutic Potential of Dioscorea communis in Combating Oral Pathogenic Bacteria and Their Effects on Hard and Soft Oral Tissues

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Gingivitis and dental caries are oral diseases resulting from bacterial accumulation in dental plaque, leading to inflammation, tissue destruction and the demineralization of tooth structures. <i>Dioscorea communis</i>, due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, could be a new treatment candidate. <b>Methods:</b> This study evaluated the preventive and therapeutic effect of a <i>D. communis</i> berry juice paste, formulated at 3% and 7% concentrations, on gingivitis and dental caries, in 55 male SKH-hr2 hairless mice. Gingivitis and dental caries were induced by ligation of the upper left incisor and the paste was applied topically three times daily, five days a week. Treatment efficacy was assessed through clinical examinations, photo-documentation, histopathological analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. <b>Results/Conclusions:</b> Preventive administration of <i>D. communis</i> 7% significantly delayed disease onset, while therapeutic effects on established conditions were limited. Both concentrations were non-toxic to gingival tissues and dental structures.