Herbal Mouthwash in Animals: A Review

Dental plaque and periodontal diseases are prevalent concerns in humans and animals. Traditional treatments, such as chlorhexidine mouthwash and systemic antibiotics, are limited by issues including tooth staining and antibiotic resistance. Therefore, herbal alternatives have gained interest for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and plaque-inhibiting properties. The present study assessed the efficacy of natural mouthwashes derived from green tea (Camellia sinensis), guava (Psidium guajava), propolis, pomegranate (Punica granatum), neem (Azadirachta indica), and miswak (Salvadora persica) in promoting oral hygiene as an alternative to conventional antibacterial agents in humans and animals. Several studies have indicated that these natural plants exhibit significant antimicrobial activity, reduce plaque formation, and alleviate gum inflammation without adverse effects. Green tea catechins, guava tannins, propolis flavonoids, pomegranate polyphenols, neem extract, and Miswak extract have shown promising results in dental care for both humans and animals. Herbal mouthwashes provide a safe and effective alternative to traditional oral hygiene products such as chlorhexidine.