Natural Alternatives for Enamel Protection. Plant and Marine Extracts as Antimicrobial Solutions

Master's Thesis from the year 2021 in the subject Medicine - Dentistry, grade: Merit, Liverpool John Moores University, course: MSc Cosmetic Science, language: English, abstract: Historically, fluoride and chlorhexidine have been the go-to ingredients in cosmetic products for safeguarding enamel against bacterial threats. However, undesirable effects associated with these compounds have led scientists to seek new bioactive components within plant and marine extracts that can combat dental caries and cariogenic bacteria. Plant extracts, in particular, have emerged as promising alternatives due to their array of benefits, including antimicrobial properties and minimal side effects, offering a superior option compared to fluoride and chlorhexidine found in toothpaste and mouthwash. This research highlights the antimicrobial efficacy of plant and marine extracts in enamel protection.