THEOral health is an integral part of general well -being. It is not just aesthetic or a nice smile, but a balance that involves the whole body. To remember it, every October, is the Month of dental preventionan appointment dedicated to raising awareness of oral hygiene and the prevention of oral cavity pathologies.
We talked about it with the Dr. Nunzio Tagliavia, dentist and aesthetic doctorpartner ofAgorà Institute of Milan and member of ModottorAnd. The expert explains how prevention, flanked by some Natural remedies scientifically validatedcan help maintain a healthy and functional mouth.
Because October is the month of dental prevention
«October – explains Dr. Tagliavia – is a symbolic month for dental prevention. The month of dental prevention recalls how fundamental the health of the mouth is not only for the aesthetic aspect, but also for general health. Pathologies like Caries and gingivitis they are not limited to the oral cavity: They can influence nutrition, quality of life and even cardiovascular health. Preventing means protecting the smile, but also the whole organism. “
Natural remedies, medicinal plants and caries: what research says
In recent years, scientific research has dedicated growing attention to the use of medicinal plants in dentistry. According to one Revision published on Pubmed in 2025natural extracts such as Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Neem, Miswak and cloves have shown antibacterial efficacy against it Streptococcus mutansmain responsible for caries.
“These substances – explains Dr. Tagliavia – also have properties anti -inflammatory and antioxidants, showing promising results in the plaque reduction and in the control of thegingival inflammation».
Natural or chemical products? The scientific comparison
“The differences between natural remedies and traditional chemicals – continues the dentist – reside above all in tolerability and the type of action. There chlorhexidinefor example, is short -term effective, but can cause staines dental or alterations of taste. The fluorine Strengthen the enamel, but does not act directly on the bacteria.
Natural extracts, on the other hand, offer a more balanced approach: less side effects, good tolerability and a combined antibacterial, anti -inflammatory and antioxidant action ».
Examples of useful plants in dentistry
Here are some medicinal plants with properties useful for the health and well -being of teeth and gums. In any case, the expert recalls, it is always to be avoided the do -it -yourself but it is good to ask for advice from your trusted dentist, given that medicinal plants (natural remedies) can have contraindications and interactions with drugs.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis): catechins contrast bacterial growth and reduce plaque.
Neem (Azadirachta indicates): Thanks to compounds such as azadiractin and nimbidine, it has an antibacterial and antifungal action.
Aloe Vera: It acts as a natural healing and reduces gingival inflammation.
Cloves (syzygium aromaticum): Eugenol has analgesic and antiseptic effect, useful in case of irritation.
MISWAK (Salvadora Persica): the traditional natural stick free fluorides and antibacterial substances, useful as support for oral hygiene.
Medicinal plants: prevention allies, not substitutes
Dr. Tagliaia clarifies an essential point: «I Natural remedies do not replace the toothbrush or wrapping. They are complementary, not alternative tools. Daily oral hygiene remains essential: brushing your teeth at least twice a day and using the interdental floss is the basis of prevention.
Speakers and natural toothpastes can represent a useful support, provided they are tested and of proven scientific effectiveness ».
Safety and effectiveness of medicinal plants
Although phytotherapy represents an expanding field of research, Dr. Tagliavia invites caution: «Some plant extracts may irritate the mucous membranes or contain variable concentrations of active ingredients. It is important Choose certified products and do not resort to home preparations. Clinical studies on human beings are still limited, but preliminary results indicate good potential. Further trials will be needed to confirm long -term effectiveness and safety ».
Practical advice for correct prevention
Dr. Tagliavia ends with some fundamental recommendations: «Prevention starts from small daily gestures. It is important to maintain constant and correct habits:
Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day.
Use the interdental floss to remove plaque in the areas that are difficult to reach.
Carry out regular checks from the dentist, even in the absence of symptoms.
Integrate, when possible, scientifically validated natural products, such as toothpastes or mouthwashes of green tea or aloe vera. “
Dental prevention represents an investment in overall health. Modern dentistry looks with interest to synergy between science and naturerecognizing the value of integrated approaches that combine clinical rigor and phytotherapy research. As Dr. Tagliavia recalls, “the best treatment remains what can be avoided thanks to prevention”.