Public and Professional Awareness about Herbal Adjuncts in Periodontal Therapy

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey evaluated the awareness, perceptions, and acceptance of herbal adjuncts in periodontal therapy among dental professionals and the general public. Out of 102 respondents, an average of 75.5% were aware of herbal adjuncts related to dentistry, with professionals demonstrating significantly higher awareness (over 90%) compared to the public (about 60%). On questions assessing specific knowledge—such as identifying herbal extracts with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or astringent properties—professionals consistently outperformed the public, with correct response rates averaging 70–90% versus 15–45% for the public. The most recognized benefits among professionals were anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, while the public often cited natural or organic qualities. Key concerns included lack of clinical evidence and standardization, particularly among professionals. The comparative analysis highlighted that clinical training and exposure to evidence-based practice underpin professionals’ stronger knowledge and acceptance of herbal adjuncts, whereas the public’s familiarity remains limited to traditional uses. These findings underscore the need for enhanced educational initiatives and more robust clinical research to support the safe and effective integration of herbal adjuncts into mainstream periodontal care.

Introduction

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gums primarily caused by microbial plaque, traditionally managed by scaling and root planing (SRP), often with adjunctive chemotherapeutics like chlorhexidine. Due to chlorhexidine’s side effects (tooth staining, taste alteration, mucosal irritation), interest has grown in herbal alternatives perceived as safer and biocompatible. Key herbal agents include Aloe vera, green tea, neem, turmeric, and Moringa oleifera, which exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties that support plaque control, gingival health, and tissue regeneration. Clinical studies show comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine, particularly for Aloe vera, green tea, neem, and turmeric, while Moringa shows promise in animal models.

Despite potential benefits, routine clinical use of herbal adjuncts is limited due to formulation variability, inconsistent active concentrations, lack of standardized trials, and limited awareness among dental professionals and the public.

A cross-sectional survey assessed awareness, perception, and acceptance of herbal adjuncts among dental professionals, students, and the public. Key findings include:

• Awareness: Over 90% of professionals were aware of herbal adjuncts, versus ~60% of the public.

• Knowledge of efficacy: Professionals (80%) correctly identified neem and green tea as effective alternatives to chlorhexidine; public awareness was much lower (35%).

• Perceived benefits: Professionals emphasized anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects; the public focused on “natural/organic” aspects.

• Less-known herbs: Knowledge of Moringa’s effects was low even among professionals, highlighting gaps in research dissemination.

• Forms of use: Professionals recognized multiple forms (mouthwash, gel, toothpaste), while the public mainly associated them with mouthwash.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this survey highlights a substantial gap in awareness and detailed knowledge of herbal adjuncts in periodontal therapy between dental professionals and the general public. While over 75% of professionals demonstrated strong familiarity with evidence-based herbal products and their clinical applications, public respondents showed limited understanding, especially regarding specific therapeutic properties and forms. Both groups, however, expressed interest in natural alternatives, with professionals emphasizing efficacy and safety, and the public valuing perceived natural benefits. The findings underscore the need for enhanced education, both in dental curricula and public health outreach, as well as further clinical research to standardize and validate herbal adjuncts. Addressing these gaps will support the safe, effective, and evidence-based integration of herbal therapies into mainstream periodontal care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and expanding treatment options.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Seshmaa S S, Dr. Shanvarshini R, Dr. Nimisha Mithradas, Dr. Dhathri Priya Bandi, Dr. Navina Ravindran, Dr. Lalitha T A, Dr. Gopalakrishnan S. 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.