Native Australian plants to combat oral health-related pathogens

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, impacting health, quality of life, and child development, while posing a substantial economic burden. The rise of antimicrobial resistance has intensified the search for alternative preventive strategies, particularly those derived from natural products. Recent studies highlight that Australian native plants possess significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and phytochemical properties, suggesting their potential as natural alternatives to synthetic agents. This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of Australian native plants in preventing dental caries. It examines their bioactive compounds, mechanisms of antimicrobial action, and their application in oral health and dentistry. The review also discusses the traditional and commercial uses of these plants and outlines future research directions. FINDINGS: reveal that their bioactivity is primarily attributed to phytochemical compounds, which exert antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects-key mechanisms in caries prevention. Australian native plants demonstrate promising potential as natural therapeutic agents for dental caries prevention. Their incorporation into oral health strategies may contribute to innovative, sustainable solutions in natural product-based drug discovery.