Abstract

Objective:

Despite advances in the understanding of dental caries, both researchers and clinicians continue to face challenges in its prevention and management. While antibiotics can be effective in preventing caries, their overuse poses risks such as adverse side effects and the development of antibiotic resistance. Fluoride has long been recognized for its anti-cariogenic properties, yet there remains a need for complementary alternatives. Natural products with antimicrobial and remineralizing properties offer promising potential, potentially reducing the health risks associated with chemical agents. This review aims to summarize the efficacy of natural substances with antibacterial and enamel-remineralizing properties that may serve as substitutes for synthetic agents. The findings may support future research and development in integrating natural products into routine dental practice.

Method:

This narrative review was conducted between October 2024 and March 2025 using databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Articles published between 2010 and 2024 were included. The following keywords were used for the literature search: “natural antibacterial agent,” “natural remineralizing agent,” “dental caries prevention,” “anticarious natural product,” “oral health,” and “dental caries.” Searches were restricted to topics related to oral health.

Results:

Several natural products exhibit antibacterial and remineralizing effects on dental hard tissues.

Conclusion:

Natural products demonstrate effective antibacterial and remineralizing properties and may serve as viable alternatives to synthetic dental agents in caries prevention.

Clinical Relevance:

This review supports the potential integration of natural products into everyday dental practice and highlights their practical applicability in enhancing oral health while reducing reliance on synthetic compounds.