Review Article
Year: 2020 | Month: September | Volume: 10 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 180-197
The Invaluable Role of Phytotherapeutic Agents in the Adjunctive Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Ruth Lourenço1, James Samuel2, Lois James Samuel3
1Lecturer, Department of Periodontics, Goa Dental College and Hospital, Goa
2Professor, Department of Periodontics, Goa Dental College and Hospital, Goa.
3Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology, Goa Medical College and Hospital, Goa.
Corresponding Author: Ruth Lourenço
ABSTRACT
Periodontal disease involves the tissues that support and surround the teeth. It is initiated by the microbial biofilms on tooth surfaces. A complex interplay between these microbial communities and the host tissue ensues, resulting in tissue damage, which is clinically recognized as periodontitis. Mechanical removal of these microbial deposits by scaling and root planing brings about significant improvements in clinical parameters. Antimicrobial agents have been advantageous when used as adjuncts to mechanical therapy. However, their use has also been associated with undesirable effects and increased cost of treatment. Phytotherapeutic agents may prove to be a promising alternative to these when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing due to their manifold benefits. This review discusses the possible mechanisms by which phototherapeutic agents such as turmeric, triphala, neem, Aloe vera, green tea, tulsi, pomegranate, garlic, ginger, clove and cinnamon could exert a favorable effect on the periodontium when used as adjuncts in the treatment of periodontal disease.
Key words: Phytotherapeutic agents, periodontitis, curcumin, triphala, neem, Aloe vera, green tea, tulsi, pomegranate, garlic, ginger, clove, cinnamon.