Phytochemicals: Their Therapeutic Potential Against Dental Caries

The chapter gives a picture of the current data on the available anticariogenic natural products and their mechanism of action. Different phytochemicals such as phenols, flavanoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, lectins, etc. and their anticariogenic efficacy have been discussed in detail. All the data emphasise the fact that the use of natural products is emerging as an effective strategy in the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Consequently, these natural products could be incorporated in toothpastes and other oral hygiene products to promote oral health.