A Review on Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants Species in Oral and Dental Health Care Practices among Tribal Communities

Abstract

Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants plays a vital role in primary oral healthcare among tribal communities, particularly in regions with limited access to modern dental services. The present review synthesizes ethnomedicinal information on twenty plant species belonging to diverse botanical families traditionally used to manage oral and dental ailments such as toothache, gum inflammation, pyorrhea, dental caries, mouth ulcers, and oral malodor. Various plant parts including bark, leaves, rhizomes, roots, fruits, latex, and chewing sticks are employed in the form of pastes, decoctions, infusions, oils, and direct mastication. The documented species exhibit potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties, which support their traditional applications in oral health management. This review highlights the pharmacological relevance of these ethnomedicinal practices, emphasizes the need for scientific validation through phytochemical and clinical investigations, and underscores the importance of conserving indigenous knowledge systems for the development of affordable and sustainable herbal dental care strategies.