Natural Products in Dental Care (2010-2026): A Narrative Review of Efficacy, Clinical Utility, and Research Gaps

Plant byproducts have been used as supplements owing to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. They also help treat and prevent many dental problems. However, the use of herbal treatments presents challenges for researchers. This narrative review highlights the evidence of the most clinically useful natural products in dental care published in Q1 to Q4 journals from 2010 to 2026. A comprehensive literature survey was performed using the Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Studies were screened for their relevance to the clinical or preclinical efficacy of natural products in dentistry. The narrative synthesis comprised a purposive sample of 29 high-impact studies. This review highlighted the major classes of natural products used in dental care and their effectiveness in managing dental caries, periodontal disease, and gingival management. The use of herbal products as adjuncts in endodontics and orthodontics has also been reported. The most effective agents for the prevention and treatment of dental conditions published in Q1-Q4 journals from 2010 to 2026 were natural products. They exhibit similar efficacy to conventional agents but with better safety and tolerability. However, they require further standardization and regulatory harmonization.