herbals in dentistry

A Sneak Peak into Herbals and their

Applications in Dentistry

AKSHAY DHANDE 3RD YEAR

GOVT DENTAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL,HYDERABAD.

INTRODUCTIONHISTORYHERBS USED IN DENTISTRYADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGESSIDE EFFECTSCONCLUSION REFERENCES

HERBAL MEDICINE : It is defined as the art and science of using herbs and herbal formulations,for promoting health and preventing and treating illness.

Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicinal practice based on the use of :

* plant seeds* Berries, roots* Bark & flowers* And plant extracts for medicinal purposes

HISTORY• Written evidence of herbal remedies dates back over 5000 years

• The earliest known known greek herbals were those of Theoprastus in his book Historia Planatarum

• Traditional herbal medicine in India is called Ayurveda

• Charaka samhita –by Charaka ,which date backs to approximately 800BC contains more than 8400 chapters about medicinal plants

• Susrutha samhita – by Susrutha, which date backs approximately to 700BC contains 184 chapters about medicinal plants

• Recently, WHO estimated that 80% of world wide population rely on herbal medicines for some part of their primary health care.

• In Germany about 600-700 plant medicines are available

HERBS IN DENTISTRYIN DENTISTRY THEY ARE USED AS:

1.ANTIMICROBIAL : MATRICARIA CHAMOMILE,SALVADORA PERCICA,AZADIRACTA INDICA.

2.ANTI-INFLAMMATORY : PLUMERIA ACUMINATE, KALANCHOE BRASILIENSIS, GUACO,PROPOLIS.

3.SEDATIVE AND ANXIOLYTICS : MELLISA OFFICINALIS, PASSIFLORA INCARNALE,PIPER METHYSTIUM.

4.MISCELLANEOUS : ENDODONTIC IRRIGANTS ,MEDICAMENTS.

AZADIRACTA INDICA Commonly known as neem and is native of India Neem leaf and its constituents have been verified to exhibit

immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, antihyperglycaemic, antiulcer, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial,antioxidant, antiviral, antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties.

It has anti cariogenic property by inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguis.

It inhibits the growth of P gingivalis, T denticola, Bacteroides forsythus, A actinomycetemcomitans and other organisms there by havig anti plaque effect

It is used in gingivitis and periodontal diseases.

It is most commonly used in the form of chewing sticks.

• Neem oil is extracted from seeds roots and bark

ALOE VERA It contains allions and barbadions as main chemical constituents

It has inhibitory effect on Streptococcous pyogenes and E facialis

It is used in gingivitis and periodontitis

It decreases bleeding, inflammation and swelling of gums

It has antiseptic effects

Its antifungal actions helps in treating denture stomatitis , apthous ulcers cracked and split corners of the mouth

CURCUMA LONGA Commonly called turmeric.

It has proven properties like anti inflammatory , antioxidant, antimicrobial, Hepatoprotective, immune stimulant, antiseptic, anti mutagenic.

Acclerates wound healing.

On use of 2% turmeric gel there is a significant reduction in mean plaque Index, gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, probing pocket index and significant reduction in trypsin like enzyme activity of RED COMPLEX Organisms.

Massing the aching tooth with ground turmeric eliminates pain and swelling.

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ALLIUM SATIVUM Commonly known as garlic.

Main active ingriedient is allicin.

Allicin was found to inhibit growth of P. gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrainus,Escherichia coli, and Actinomyces viscosus.

Garlic mouth wash is significantly active against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli.

They have anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidation and immunomodulatory properties.

Allicin relievies pain, promote ulcer healing and prevent the recurrence of recurrent apthous ulcers.

CENTELLA ASIATICA Active compound of centella is a glycosidic terpen and termed

as Asiaticiside

It has stimulatory property on collagen synthesis.

It increases the cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound site.

It is used in the treatment of periodontal pocket.

ZINGIBER OFFICINALE Commonly known as ginger.

It is used to treat sore throat.

It is a powerful anti inflammatory.

It has anti bacterial, anti viral actions.

PROPOLIS Commonly known as bee glue

It has antimicrobial,anti inflammatory, antidiabetic , and local anaesthetic effects.

It is used in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases,

As an interim storage medium for avulsed teeth. Used in dentinal hypersensitivity. It inhibits plaque formation.

SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM Commonly known as cloves

It is used in the form of clove oil.

It relieves from tooth pain.

To treat abscess.

To treat the dental discomfort following the treatment.

COMMIFORA MYRRH Commonly known as myrrh. Myrrh is applied directly to the mouth for soreness and

swelling, inflamed gums (gingivitis), loose teeth, canker sores, bad breath, and chapped lips.

It is also used topically for hemorrhoids, bedsores, wounds, abrasions, and boils.

It is used as an astringent and antiseptic.

SHYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE Commonly known as comfrey.

Comfrey mouthwash is used to heal mouth abrasions , reduce swelling and bleeding.

To treat abscess

Comfrey tea is used to treat sore throat.

ADVANTAGES OF HERBS Reduced risk of side effects.

Effectives with chronic conditions.

Lower cost.

Widespread availability.

Safety

DISAVANTAGES OF HERBS Lack of regulation

Patience needed.

Inappropriate for many conditions.

Lack of dosage instructions.

Poison risk associated with wild herbs.

Medication interactions.

SIDE EFFECTSPregnancy and liver problems is a contraindication for many herbals. On prolonged use of some plant extracts may cause miscarriages.ALOEVERA: abdominal cramps ,diarrhoea.

GINGER :may alter bleeding time.

PROPOLIS: may alter bleeding time, allergy

OTHER COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Irritant,incomfortable to use,may cause vomiting.

ConclusionThe use of herbal medicine has been successfully applied in dentistry as antiseptic, antioxidants, and analgesic.

The natural phytochemicals play an alternative role to antibiotics and also aid in healing of oral infections and thereby improving immunity.

However, well-controlled clinical trials are required to validate the use of these traditional therapeutics strategies in the dental field.

Nature always has a solution…. We have to dig deeper…..