COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON MARKETED HERBAL TOOTH POWDERS: ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Oral hygiene is an essential aspect of overall health, as poor dental care is linked to dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and even systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Conventional oral care products, including fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwashes, have been widely used for maintaining dental hygiene. However, concerns regarding the side effects of synthetic ingredients, such as fluoride toxicity, artificial sweeteners, and chemical preservatives, have led to an increased interest in herbal alternatives. Herbal tooth powders, made from medicinal plant extracts, minerals, and essential oils, claim to offer antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and remineralizing benefits. They have been traditionally used in Ayurveda, Unani, and other herbal medicine systems. This review aims to critically assess marketed herbal tooth powders, focusing on their composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, mechanism of action, clinical effectiveness, safety, consumer perception, and regulatory concerns. Furthermore, this article discusses challenges in standardization, quality control, and the future scope of herbal dental products.