Herbinaturals: A new paradigm in dentistry

Danta Swasthya (oral health) is important for the general kausalya (well being) and relates to the quality of Jivana (life) that extends beyond the functions of the craniofacial complex. Danta Amivacatana (oral diseases) continues to be a major health problem worldwide. In mainstream Ausadha (medicine), new medical treatments are assumed to be ineffective, until they are proved to be useful. In addition, the adverse effects associated with mainstream medicine makes their use less desirable and less reliable by the population. Traditional medicine is a socioeconomic and sociocultural heritage, serving approximately 80% of the population of developing countries. Heterogeneity, easy availability, enduring recognition, popularity and fewer adverse side effects are some of the key lineaments of traditional Ausadha. This review attempts to introduce several widely used traditional medicines and plant extracts for treating oral diseases, with a highlight on tooth soap, one of the most unrevealed herbal alternative to tooth paste.