Dental Plaque: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, comprising a complex mixture of microorganisms and their metabolic byproducts.

It forms due to poor oral hygiene and a diet rich in sugars, leading to inflammation, tooth decay, and gum disease. The negative impacts of dental plaque on health are far-reaching, causing bad breath, tooth loss, and even heart disease. To relieve dental plaque, herbal remedies such as neem, turmeric, and aloe vera can be used in the form of mouthwashes, toothpowders, or oils.

However, it's essential to note that before using any medicinal herbs, consult a dentist or healthcare professional and follow the recommended dosage to avoid any adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of dental plaque, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of dental plaque?

The main causes of dental plaque are the accumulation of bacteria and food particles on teeth surfaces, particularly due to poor oral hygiene practices such as infrequent brushing (twice a day) and flossing (once a day).

The primary bacteria responsible for dental plaque formation are Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, which adhere to tooth enamel through the formation of a biofilm. Additionally, factors like a diet high in sugars and starches, which are fermented by bacteria to produce acid, and a lack of saliva flow, which can impair the washing away of bacteria and food particles, contribute to plaque formation. Furthermore, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, and medications like inhaled corticosteroids, can also increase the risk of developing dental plaque.

Lastly, the anatomy of the tooth, including grooves and fissures, can also trap bacteria and food particles, making them more susceptible to plaque formation.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of dental plaque, as failure to regularly brush and floss teeth allows bacteria to accumulate and form plaque.
• Bacterial Overgrowth: Bacterial overgrowth is a common cause of dental plaque, as the bacteria in the mouth, particularly Streptococcus mutans, feed on sugars and starches and produce acid that contributes to plaque formation.
• Diet High in Sugars: A diet high in sugars is a common cause of dental plaque, as the bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars and produce acid that contributes to plaque formation and tooth decay.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition is a common cause of dental plaque, as some individuals may be more prone to plaque formation due to their genetic makeup.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common cause of dental plaque, as saliva helps to wash away bacteria and food particles, and its absence can lead to plaque accumulation.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, can lead to an increased risk of dental plaque due to changes in saliva production and other hormonal fluctuations.
• Medication Side Effects: Medication side effects, particularly those that cause dry mouth or increase saliva production, can lead to an increased risk of dental plaque.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can lead to an increased risk of dental plaque due to the acid reflux into the mouth, which can erode tooth enamel and contribute to plaque formation.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dental plaque?

The main medicinal herbs used for dental plaque are Eucalyptus globulus, Salvia officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Syzygium aromaticum, Mentha x piperita, Aloe barbadensis, Cinnamomum verum.

Eucalyptus globulus has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties due to the presence of eucalyptol, which inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a primary contributor to dental plaque. Salvia officinalis contains carnosic acid, which has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for dental plaque. Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale, both containing curcumin and gingerol respectively, have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce dental plaque and prevent periodontal disease.

Additionally, the essential oils of Mentha x piperita, Aloe barbadensis, and Cinnamomum verum have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful in the prevention and treatment of dental plaque.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with dental plaque by reducing the formation of biofilm through its antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis helps with dental plaque by exhibiting antimicrobial activity against bacteria including Streptococcus mutans, which is involved in the formation of dental plaque.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with dental plaque by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, thereby reducing the formation of dental plaque.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with dental plaque by exhibiting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the formation of biofilm and inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with dental plaque by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, thereby reducing the formation of dental plaque.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with dental plaque by exhibiting immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans.
• Syzygium aromaticum: Syzygium aromaticum helps with dental plaque by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, thereby reducing the formation of dental plaque.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with dental plaque by exhibiting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the formation of biofilm and inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with dental plaque by exhibiting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the formation of biofilm and inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum helps with dental plaque by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, thereby reducing the formation of dental plaque.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dental plaque?

The main herbal preparations used for dental plaque are Decoction, Tincture, Gel, Cream, Tea, Capsule, Salve, Powder, Oil, Poultice.

Decoction of herbs like Echinacea, Sage, and Myrrh helps reduce plaque bacteria and inflammation by releasing bioactive compounds. Tincture of herbs like Clove, Oregano, and Thyme has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a primary cause of dental plaque. Topical applications like Gel, Cream, and Salve of herbs like Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, and Geranium Oil reduce plaque and gingivitis by their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Capsule, Powder, Oil, and Poultice of herbs like Turmeric, Neem, and Cinnamon have been traditionally used to prevent and treat dental plaque by their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Decoction: A decoction of Echinacea purpurea helps with dental plaque by stimulating the immune system to fight off oral infections and inflammation caused by plaque.
• Tincture: A tincture of Salvia officinalis helps with dental plaque by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria that cause plaque through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Gel: A gel of Aloe vera helps with dental plaque by reducing inflammation and preventing the adhesion of bacteria to the tooth surface due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Cream: A cream of Melaleuca alternifolia helps with dental plaque by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Tea: A tea of Camellia sinensis helps with dental plaque by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria that cause plaque through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Capsule: A capsule of Trichosanthes kirilowii helps with dental plaque by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria that cause plaque through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Salve: A salve of Calendula officinalis helps with dental plaque by reducing inflammation and preventing the adhesion of bacteria to the tooth surface due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Powder: A powder of Zingiber officinale helps with dental plaque by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria that cause plaque through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Oil: An oil of Cymbopogon citratus helps with dental plaque by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Poultice: A poultice of Eucalyptus globulus helps with dental plaque by reducing inflammation and preventing the adhesion of bacteria to the tooth surface due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.