Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Tooth Powder: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The growing demand for safer, natural alternatives in oral hygiene has led to a resurgence in the use of herbal tooth powders. These formulations, known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, offer a promising substitute for conventional synthetic toothpaste. This review systematically examines current literature on the formulation techniques, common medicinal herbs, evaluation methods, and therapeutic potential of herbal tooth powders. Focus is given to plants like Azadirachta indica (Neem), Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice). Advantages, limitations, and future prospects are discussed to provide insights for researchers and product developers in the field of natural oral care.

Introduction

1. Introduction

• Oral health is essential for overall well-being and quality of life.

• Common issues like caries, gingivitis, and bad breath are preventable through proper hygiene.

• Commercial oral care products contain synthetic chemicals (e.g., SLS, fluoride, triclosan), which may cause side effects such as mucosal irritation, allergic reactions, and microbial resistance.

• Due to rising health and environmental awareness, herbal tooth powders rooted in traditional systems like Ayurveda are gaining popularity.

• These powders are chemical-free, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and offer therapeutic benefits through natural ingredients like Neem, Clove, and Licorice.

2. Common Herbal Ingredients & Their Benefits

3. Formulation Process

1. Collection & Authentication – Ensures correct herb identification for efficacy and safety.

2. Drying & Pulverization – Shade-dried and ground to preserve active compounds.

3. Sieving & Mixing – Fine mesh used for consistency; mixed with natural excipients like:

   • Kaolin (cleansing, abrasiveness)

   • Calcium carbonate (mineral support)

4. Packaging – Airtight, moisture-resistant containers prevent degradation and contamination.

4. Evaluation Parameters

A. Organoleptic Tests (sensory appeal)

• Color, taste, texture, odor – Should be pleasant and stable.

B. Physicochemical Tests

• pH (neutral range), moisture content (<5%), abrasiveness (safe for enamel), bulk density, and flow properties.

C. Microbial Load Testing

• Free from harmful pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa); total microbial count within safety limits.

D. Stability Studies

• Conducted at high temp (40°C) and humidity (75%) to assess product durability over time.

5. Recent Literature & Findings

• Kaur et al. (2020) – Herbal formulations (neem, clove, babul) show strong antimicrobial effects.

• Sharma & Singh (2019) – 35% reduction in plaque in 2 weeks.

• Goyal & Chauhan (2021) – Herbal products match or outperform synthetic pastes.

• Hussain & Begum (2019) – Effective shelf life of 18+ months under proper storage.

6. Advantages

• Chemical-free and safe for long-term use.

• Eco-friendly and cost-effective.

• Lower risk of allergic reactions.

• Long shelf life without artificial preservatives.

7. Limitations

• Lack of standardization in formulation.

• Variation in herb quality due to climate or geography.

• Texture and strong herbal taste may lower consumer acceptance.

8. Challenges & Future Directions

• Need for:

  • Standardized formulations

  • Clinical trials to validate efficacy and safety

  • Improved flavoring and consumer appeal

• Advanced analytical tools (HPTLC, GC-MS) can enhance quality control.

• Awareness campaigns and integration into digital health platforms can promote adoption.

Conclusion

Herbal tooth powders are a promising alternative to conventional oral hygiene products, combining traditional knowledge with scientific validation. With effective ingredients like neem, clove, and licorice, they offer natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Standardization, consumer education, and regulatory frameworks will be essential in expanding their role in modern dentistry.

References

[1] Saha, N. et al. (2017). Chemical additives in toothpaste: A cause for concern? Journal of Oral Health Research, 8(2), 112–118. [2] Kumar, V., & Mishra, A. (2021). A Review on Medicinal Plants Used in Herbal Toothpowder: Potential and Applications in Oral Care. International Journal of Phytomedicine, 13(1), 17–28. [3] Puri, A. (2018). Natural Toothpowder: An Effective Herbal Remedy. Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology, 12(1), 56–60. [4] Kaur, R., & Arora, S. (2020). Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Tooth Powder. International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11(4), 5211–5216. [5] Sharma, P., & Singh, V. (2019). Medicinal Plants for Oral Hygiene: A Review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 8(2), 1450–1455. [6] Goyal, M., & Chauhan, A. (2021). Comparative Study of Synthetic and Herbal Dental Products. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, 55(1), 128–133. [7] Hussain, A., & Begum, S. (2019). Development and Evaluation of Herbal Tooth Powder. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, 11(2), 58–66. [8] Kumari, A., & Prasad, S. (2020). Synergistic Effects of Herbal Ingredients in Dental Health. Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology, 14(2), 98–105. [9] Patel, S., & Patel, K. (2020). The Role of Herbal Remedies in Oral Care: A Review of Recent Developments. Ayurveda Journal of Health, 13(4), 112–118. [10] Singh, R., & Sharma, R. (2022). Evaluation of Herbal Dental Products: Challenges and Insights. Natural Product Research, 36(3), 342–349. [11] Meena, V., & Roy, A. (2018). Powder Technology in Herbal Dentistry. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 9(3), 134–139. [12] Banerjee, S., & Kundu, A. (2020). Organoleptic Evaluation of Herbal Formulations: Parameters and Perceptions. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 14(27), 45–50. [13] Yadav, R. et al. (2021). Physicochemical Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulations. Journal of Natural Remedies, 22(1), 67–73. [14] Chauhan, P., & Gupta, M. (2019). Microbial Safety of Herbal Oral Care Products. Indian Journal of Microbiology, 59(1), 88–92. [15] Verma, A., & Singh, A. (2020). Shelf-life Prediction and Stability Testing in Herbal Products. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics, 14(3), 221–227.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ms. Shravani Satish Mhavan, Mr. Kunal R. Hake, Mr. Nitin Gawai, Ms. Vaishnavi R. Talekar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.