Review On Natural Tooth Powder for Oral Hygiene Care

Teeth are hard, calcified structures embedded in the jawbones. They are essential for the process of mastication (chewing), which is the first step of digestion. Teeth not only help in breaking down food into smaller pieces but also assist in speech, facial aesthetics, and maintaining the structural integrity of the jawbone. A healthy set of teeth contributes significantly to a person’s confidence and overall health.

1.1 Types and Functions of Teeth

1. Incisors (8): 4 in upper and 4 in lower jaw. Sharp-edged teeth used for cutting and slicing food.
2. Canines (4): Pointed teeth, also known as cuspids, used for tearing food.
3. Premolars (8): Also called bicuspids; they have flat surfaces with ridges for crushing and grinding food.
4. Molars (12): Including 4 wisdom teeth, they are located at the back and are responsible for grinding food thoroughly.

Fig. 1

1.2 Importance of Teeth:

• Maintain Oral Hygiene 
• Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
• Removes food particles and plaque between teeth.
• Mouthwash Helps kill bacteria and freshens breath.
• Avoid sugary and acidic foods that promote tooth decay.
• Regular Dental Check-ups

1.3 Dental Problems

• Cavities 
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Tooth Sensitivity

 2.1 Herbal Toothpowder

Herbal toothpowders offer several advantages over conventional oral care products: a) Natural and Chemical-Free. Herbal tooth powders have gained renewed interest due to the growing awareness of the side effects of chemical-based products and the desire for more natural and holistic healthcare solutions. These powders are known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making them effective in preventing common dental issues such as cavities, gingivitis, and halitosis.

2.1.1 Benefits

1. Herbal toothpowder is a natural and traditional alternative to synthetic toothpaste, widely used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems. It is formulated using a blend of medicinal herbs, minerals, and other natural substances that work together to clean teeth, freshen breath, and strengthen gums.
2. Herbal toothpowders are free from synthetic additives, artificial colors, preservatives, and fluoride. This makes them safe for long-term use, even for children and people with sensitive oral tissues. b) Antibacterial and Antifungal Action

Ingredients:              

Table.1 Natural Ingredients for preparation of Tooth powder

1. Antibacterial Toothpowder:

Contains herbs like neem, clove, and babul to reduce bacterial load and prevent gum infections.

2. Whitening Toothpowder:

Formulated with charcoal, salt, and citrus peels to naturally remove stains.

3. Anti-inflammatory Toothpowder:

Includes turmeric, liquorice, or aloe vera to reduce gum swelling and inflammation.

4. Refreshing Toothpowder:

Mint, camphor, or cardamom for a fresh breath and pleasant taste and May include calcium, baking soda, and herbal extracts to strengthen.

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2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

These formulations combine the therapeutic value of multiple herbs that have been traditionally   used in Indian medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha.

• Herbal powders for abrasiveness and found that a balanced mixture of herbal ingredients like Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) and Punica granatum (Pomegranate rind) helped in cleaning without damaging enamel.
• Compared herbal toothpowders with marketed toothpastes and found that the herbal products were equally effective in reducing plaque scores and improving gingival health.      Showed effective antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus     acidophilus. The powder also showed acceptable pH and abrasiveness, suitable for daily use.
• Consumer Acceptance and Market Growth: The global herbal oral care market is expected to grow significantly due to Rising awareness about natural ingredients Increasing prevalence of periodontal diseases Preference for chemical-free products Consumers increasingly prefer herbal powders that are cruelty-free, free from SLS, fluoride, and artificial preservatives.

3. PLAN OF WORK

3.1 Materials and methods

1.  Selection of Herbs for formulating herbal toothpowder. Herbs must possess medicinal properties like antimicrobial, Anti inflammatory, or deodorizing effects

2. Method of Formulation Selection of Herbal Ingredients based on desired therapeutic actions.
3. Drying: Clean the herbs and shade-dry to preserve phytoconstituents.
4. Grinding: Powder the dried herbs using a mechanical grinder.
5. Sieving: Pass the powder through sieve #80 for uniformity.
6. Weighing and Mixing: Accurately weigh and mix the powders homogeneously. Packaging: Store in airtight, moisture-resistant containers.

3.2 Procedure

Selection of Herbal Ingredients

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Authentication of Raw Materials

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Cleaning and Drying (Shade Drying)

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Pulverization (Grinding)

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Sieving (Through Sieve No. 80)

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Weighing of Each Ingredient Accurately

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Mixing (Using Mortar & Pestle or Blender)

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Evaluation of Formulated Powder

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Packaging in Airtight Containers

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Storage and Labelling

3.3 Assessment parameters:

Odour: Odour was found by smelling the product.

Taste: Taste was checked manually by tasting the product.

Colour: The prepared tooth powder was evaluated for its colour. The colour was checked visually.

Stability: The product was maintained in different temperature conditions to check its stability.

Spread ability: It evaluated by spreading the powder manually. Abrasiveness: It was evaluated manually. Foamability: The foamability of the product was evaluated by taking small amount of preparation with water in a measuring cylinder initial volume was noted and then shaken for 10 times. Final volume of foam was noted.

Usage: Sufficient quantity should be applied with tooth brush on teeth and to be used twice daily early in the morning and before going to bed or as advised by the dentist for best result. It is useful against bacterial infections and to maintain freshness of mouth.

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Fig.5 Appearance of natural tooth powder

Table Physico-chemical evaluation

Table: Phytochemical evaluation

Table: Organoleptic Properties

Table: Rheological Evaluation