Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Tooth Powder containing Psidium guajava and Other Medicinal Plants for Natural Oral Care

Oral hygiene is a critical aspect of overall health, as the oral cavity serves as the gateway to the body. The widespread use of synthetic toothpastes and whitening agents, though effective, is often associated with side effects such as enamel erosion, mucosal irritation, and fluoride toxicity. In response, herbal formulations are gaining popularity as safer, sustainable alternatives. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal tooth powder containing Psidium guajava (guava leaves), Sapindus mukorossi (ritha), Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice), Ocimum sanctum (tulsi), and Acacia nilotica (babool). Each component was selected for its specific pharmacological benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent activities. The ingredients were shade-dried, powdered, and blended in suitable proportions to obtain a fine, free-flowing formulation. The product was evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, moisture content, abrasiveness, foaming ability, and antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The formulation exhibited neutral pH, acceptable sensory qualities, mild abrasiveness, and significant antibacterial efficacy comparable to conventional mouthwash agents. The results confirm that the herbal tooth powder is safe, stable, and effective for daily oral hygiene, offering plaque control, gum strengthening, and odor reduction without adverse effects. This study demonstrates the potential of herbal oral formulations as eco-friendly, affordable, and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic toothpastes, merging traditional knowledge with modern scientific validation.