Herbomineral Toothpaste: A Novel Formulation for Dental Caries – An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: The demand for a broad spectrum antimicrobial toothpaste is highly desirable to reduce, control,
and prevent various types of dental diseases. Therefore, research into the production of herbal toothpaste to
suppress the incidence of dental diseases is pertinent. Plant-based tooth paste has proved to be best at treating the
gingivitis and other oral problems. Aim: In the present study, the herbomineral tooth paste was prepared using
18 different herbal ingredients which possess different uses both internally and externally and also four mineral
salts that help to avoid tooth decay and gingival inflammation. The formulated toothpaste was evaluated for
physicochemical properties and anti-bacterial activity. Methodology: Three different formulations were prepared
and evaluated for various physicochemical properties such as stability, pH, homogeneity, compatibility with
toothpaste packaging material, spreadability, abrasiveness, foaming ability, cleaning ability, and anti-bacterial
activity that was tested on two bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus strain (MTCC 96) and Streptococcus mutans strain
(MTCC 890) in comparison with commercial formulation, Vicco Vajradanth. Results: All the results of evaluated
parameters showed that experimental formulation (F3) was comparably equal and better when compared with
commercial formulation in terms of standards specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards 6356–1993 and found
to be of good quality. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. The results of the formulations are
promising when compared to a commercial tooth paste. Conclusion: This formulation prevented the growth
of S. mutans and S. aureus, organisms causing dental caries. This formulation maintains oral hygiene thereby
preventing gingivitis and dental caries.