Effectiveness of Curcumin in Oral Diseases: An Update

Abstract

Oral diseases play a serious challenge to public health around the world. When left untreated, both the mouth and also the remaining the body would be adversely affected by oral diseases. Different treatment modalities are available for various dental diseases, but the most downside of those modern drug treatments are the frequent side effects related to their use. This has contributed to renewing interest in the development of novel plant-derived anti-infective natural compounds. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent that occurs naturally, with different biological and medicinal properties. It has proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepato-protective, immuno-stimulant, antiseptic, and anti-mutagenic properties. Due to these properties, it is especially useful in dentistry for the treatment of periodontal diseases and oral cancers. Turmeric can also be utilized in alternative treatments as a pit and fissure sealant, mouthwash and subgingival irrigant. Its gel form can even be used as a local drug delivery system. It is evaluated with a view to mitigate the human diseases, particularly in cancer and its potential to reduce cancer risk. Curcumin has only negligible side effects such as diarrhoea, diarrhoea, allergic skin reaction, gastric pain. The objective of this article is to review the efficacy and therapeutic properties of curcumin in maintaining oral health.