Natural products such as tea tree oil, clove oil and honey have been posed as alternatives to synthetic disinfectants like chlorhexidine in prosthodontics and implant dentistry.
In a new literature review, researchers explored the potential of different natural products derived from plants, animals, and minerals as dental disinfectants. Several were found to be ‘promising’ due to their antimicrobial efficacy, biocompatibility and environmental sustainability.
Among the plant based products tested, clove oil, tea tree oil, neem (Indian lilac) and green tea extract were found to disrupt microbial cell membranes, prevent biofilm formation, and suppress genes affecting the severity of infection. Cinnamon oil also affects bacteria by disrupting its signalling and targeting its cell walls.
In the animal-based category, propolis and honey were shown to inhibit microbial growth, promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.
Finally, minerals such as clay and bacteriocins were found to absorb toxins and disrupt microbial membranes.
How could natural products be used in dental practice?
The researchers suggested that these properties could assist in prosthodontics in several ways:
- Denture disinfection – several of the plant and animal products could be used to fight bacterial growth
- Mineral incorporation – adding materials that resist bacteria directly into dental devices could prevent biofilm formation
- Oral rinses/gels – some herbal mouthwashes have been found to ‘match chlorhexidine in efficacy’.
Similarly, the review says that these products could assist with surface disinfection and peri-implantitis management in implant dentistry.
Overall, the natural substances have the advantages of biocompatibility, low toxicity and ecological sustainability. They can also work synergistically together to greater effect.
However, drawbacks include inconsistent results, regulatory gaps and limited clinical data.
The researchers said that large-scale trials and development of standard protocols for formulation of the natural substances would make them more viable as a treatment alternative.
They concluded: ‘Natural products such as propolis, EGCG, and clove oil show significant promise as effective disinfectants in prosthodontics and oral implantology due to their biocompatibility and reduced side effects compared to synthetic agents.
‘Targeted measures will support the integration of natural disinfectants into mainstream dental practice, offering safer and more environmentally sustainable alternatives for infection control.’
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