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Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
Natural products and caries prevention
Lei Cheng1, Jiyao Li, Libang He
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Natural products, especially polyphenols, show promise in preventing dental caries by fighting bacteria and balancing tooth remineralization. Further research is needed to clarify mechanisms and enhance effects using advanced technologies.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Dental caries is a prevalent polymicrobial oral disease globally.
- Natural products from various sources (food, herbs) exhibit anticaries potential.
- Polyphenols are frequently identified as key active components in these natural products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore natural products as alternative strategies for preventing or reducing dental caries.
- To investigate the anticaries activities of natural compounds.
- To understand the mechanisms behind the anticaries effects of natural products.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on natural products with anticaries activity.
- Analysis of research focusing on antibacterial properties of natural products.
- Examination of studies investigating the impact of natural products on de-/remineralization balance.
Main Results:
- Numerous natural products demonstrate anticaries effects.
- Polyphenols are common effective components found in natural products.
- Some natural products act as antibacterial agents, while others modulate tooth de-/remineralization.
Conclusions:
- Natural products, particularly polyphenols, offer a promising avenue for anticaries interventions.
- The precise mechanisms of action for most natural products remain to be elucidated.
- Future research should focus on discovering novel natural products and enhancing their efficacy through methods like nanotechnology.
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