American Journal of Phytomedicine and Clinical Therapeutics www.ajpct.org Original Article Resurgence of Phytomedicine Use in Dentistry

Plaque-related diseases, dental caries and periodontal diseases are among the most important preventable global infectious diseases. In addition to mechanical plaque removal nowadays the phytomedicine use is gaining attention throughout the world. Plants are rich in a wide variety of secondary metabolites, such as tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which have been found to have antimicrobial properties. The phytomedicine, today, symbolize safety, in contrast to the synthetics that are regarded as unsafe to humans and the environment. Plant extracts have been used in dentistry for reducing inflammation, as antiplaque agents, for preventing release of histamine and as antiseptics, antioxidants, antimicrobials, antifungals, antibacterials, antivirals and analgesics. The aim of this paper is to consider the resurgence of phytomedicine use in Dentistry