Evaluation of herbal dentifrice in controlling caries and gingivitis-causing microorganisms: An in vitro study

Abstract

Herbal-based dentifrices are increasingly explored as alternatives to conventional toothpastes due to their potential antimicrobial properties and reduced side effects. Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis are key oral pathogens implicated in dental caries and gingival diseases, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of three herbal-based toothpaste formulations, Dabur Herbal Expert Cavity Protection Toothpaste with organic Clove, Dabur Herbal Expert Gum Care Toothpaste with organic Neem and Dabur Herbal Oral Protection Toothpaste with organic Basil against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Standard strains of Streptococcus mutans MTCC 497 and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 were cultured under appropriate conditions. The antimicrobial activity of selected herbal toothpaste samples was assessed using antimicrobial efficacy through time dependent study. All tested herbal toothpaste formulations demonstrated high antimicrobial efficacy against both Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The percentage inhibition exceeded 99.9% across all tested samples. Against Streptococcus mutans, Dabur herbal Basil, Dabur herbal Neem, and Dabur herbal Clove each demonstrated 99.99% inhibition, indicating equivalent efficacy among the three extracts. In assays against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Dabur herbal Basil and Dabur herbal Neem both achieved 99.95% inhibition, while Dabur herbal Clove exhibited slightly lower activity at 99.93%. The differences among the herbal formulations were minimal, indicating consistently strong antimicrobial potential. These findings suggest that neem, basil, and clove-based herbal dentifrices are effective in suppressing the growth of caries and gingivitis associated pathogens under in vitro conditions. These findings support its potential role as a natural adjunct in preventive oral healthcare.