FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL TOOTH POWDER FOR ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST ORAL PATHOGENS

Dental caries are common oral infections, necessitating effective strategies to eliminate harmful oral microorganisms. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a herbal tooth powder with antimicrobial activity as a natural alternative to modern dental care. Increasing awareness of side effects from synthetic oral care products—such as mouth ulcers, DNA damage, allergic reactions, and microplastic contamination from chemicals like SLS, triclosan, parabens, and hydrogen peroxide—is driving a surge in demand for natural and herbal alternatives. This shift reflects consumer demand for transparency and a move towards plant-based ingredients, leading to the popularity of products promoting natural origins, sustainability, and wellness lifestyles has led to a growing interest in herbal alternatives for maintaining oral hygiene. In this study, an herbal tooth powder was formulated using a blend of natural ingredients with documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, traditionally employed in Ayurveda and other indigenous systems of medicine. The formulation aimed to provide a safe, effective, and affordable product that could prevent dental issues such as plaque formation, gingivitis, and bad breath, while promoting overall oral health. The evaluation of the formulated herbal tooth powder was carried out through a comprehensive set of parameters, including physical characterization (color, odor, taste, texture, moisture content, and flowability), microbiological analysis, and sensory evaluation. Physical properties were assessed to ensure product stability, consistency, and consumer appeal. The antimicrobial activity of the tooth powder was tested against common oral pathogens using standard agar diffusion methods. The formulation exhibited promising antimicrobial efficacy, indicating its potential to inhibit the growth of harmful oral microbes responsible for dental caries and periodontal diseases. These findings support its potential as an effective herbal alternative to conventional toothpastes and powders, promoting oral health while minimizing adverse effects associated with chemical formulations. Keywords: Natural Ingredients, Oral Hygiene, Dental Care, and Microbial analysis.