Polyphenols as Natural Therapeutics for Dental Infections and Oral Inflammation: Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives.

Oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, denture-related stomatitis, and oral mucositis are prevalent global health concerns primarily driven by microbial dysbiosis and chronic inflammation. Conventional treatments, including antibiotics and mechanical plaque control, have limitations due to antimicrobial resistance and adverse effects. Polyphenols, a diverse class of bioactive phytochemicals, exhibit promising antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can be leveraged for oral health management. This review explores the therapeutic potential of polyphenols in targeting key pathogenic mechanisms associated with oral diseases. Polyphenols exert antimicrobial effects by disrupting bacterial membrane integrity, inhibiting biofilm formation, and interfering with quorum sensing pathways of oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties involve modulation of NF-κB signaling, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2), and attenuation of oxidative stress through upregulation of endogenous antioxidants. Polyphenols also influence oral microbiota composition, promoting a balanced microbial ecosystem that supports oral health. However, challenges such as poor bioavailability, stability, and interindividual variability in response remain major hurdles. Advances in nanotechnology and controlled-release systems offer promising strategies to enhance polyphenol efficacy in dental applications. Further research is needed to optimize their formulation, delivery, and clinical validation to establish evidence-based polyphenol-based interventions in dentistry.