1*PhD scholar (Dr D.Y Patil Dental College, Pune), Professor, Dept of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly International University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh (India). Email: pallavivashisth@yahoo.in
2Professor and Head, Dept of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Dr D Y Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra. Email: drnileshrathi@gmail.com
3Principal, Professor and Head Of Department, Dept of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly International University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh (India). Email: sathyajithnaik@gmail.com
4Professor, Department of Periodontology, Himalaya Medical College, Patna, Bihar. Email: doc.muditmittal@gmail.com
Oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disorders, oral infections, and halitosis continue to represent major global health challenges despite advances in preventive and therapeutic dentistry. Conventional chemical agents including chlorhexidine, antibiotics, and synthetic antimicrobials have demonstrated significant effectiveness in managing oral diseases; however, their long-term use is often associated with adverse effects such as microbial resistance, disruption of oral microbiome balance, mucosal irritation, tooth staining, and reduced patient compliance. In response to these limitations, there has been growing interest in natural and biologically compatible alternatives that can provide effective therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. Herbal compounds and probiotics have emerged as promising adjunctive and preventive approaches due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and microbiome-modulating properties. This comprehensive review explores the role of green tea (Camellia sinensis), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), and probiotics in modern dentistry, focusing on their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, comparative effectiveness, and future perspectives. Green tea contains bioactive polyphenols, particularly catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which exhibit strong antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds have demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting cariogenic bacteria, reducing periodontal inflammation, controlling oral malodor, and potentially contributing to oral cancer prevention. Lemongrass essential oil, rich in citral and other phytochemicals, possesses potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties against key oral pathogens, making it a promising candidate for periodontal therapy, endodontic irrigation, and herbal mouthwash formulations. Meanwhile, probiotics represent a novel biological strategy that focuses on restoring microbial balance by introducing beneficial bacteria capable of suppressing pathogenic microorganisms through competitive inhibition, immune modulation, and ecological stabilization of the oral microbiome. This review compares the advantages and limitations of these natural agents, highlighting their safety profiles, patient acceptance, and potential synergistic effects when used in combination therapies.
Keywords: Green tea; Lemongrass; Probiotics; Herbal dentistry; Oral microbiome; Periodontal disease; Dental caries; Natural oral healthcare.
How to cite this article: Vashisth P, Rathi N, Naik N S, Mittal M. Natural Adjuncts for Prevention of Oral Diseases - A Narrative Review of Green Tea, Lemon Grass and Probiotics in Oral Health Promotion. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(15s): 81-88. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.15s.10
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None