Natural chemical compounds from plants extract for prevention and treatment of oral infections: a review

Abstract

Oral health has a direct link with general health and, when neglected, results in two common oral diseases: dental caries and periodontal diseases. The development of dental caries involves acidogenic and aciduric Grampositive bacteria, primarily the mutans streptococci (Streptococcus mutans and S. sobrinus), lactobacilli and actinomycetes, whereas P. gingivalis, P. intermedia and A. actinomycetemcomitans are regarded as the major pathogens in advancing periodontitis. The management of oral hygiene has been for a long time achieved by the use of synthetic chemical agents. Unfortunately, these remedies have some side effects and are not only, and they are not affordable for people with low incomes, though their effectiveness is proven. So, it is very important to find out substitutes for these synthetics anti-microbial agents. Natural products could play this role, knowing that many of them are proved to be safer and more effective. This is why the present review focuses on natural products that harbor bioactive molecules, which may exert anti-microbial activity against oral pathogenes.