Dental Caries, Etiology, and Remedy through Natural Resources

Abstract

Caries and oral mucosal and periodontal diseases are the major cause of oral health problems. They are prevalent in all ages and demographic and socioeconomic groups. Irrespective of geographic location in the world, both males and females are affected from the condition. Dental caries’ etiology has four main factors: bacteria, time, susceptible tooth surface, and fermentable carbohydrates. Due to the high prevalence of oral disease and increased microbial resistance against antibiotics, there is a need for alternative methods. Therefore, the search for viable alternative products is of paramount importance. Phytochemicals isolated from plants, which are used in traditional medicines, are considered to be safe and effective alternatives compared to synthetic chemicals. This situation diverted efforts toward finding natural products as the potential medicine for treating dental caries. The chapter will focus on the etiology of dental caries and different remedies using the natural resources for prevention and treatment of the disease. A wide variety of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants having in vitro antimicrobial activities provide a hope for novel drug compounds.