The Potential of Aloe vera as an Active Ingredient in Toothpaste Formulations: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Context: Tooth brushing is a primary method to prevent the onset of oral diseases. Aloe vera is commonly used in dentistry as an herbal alternative due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial actions; recently, it has been used in toothpaste formulations as an active agent. This review aimed to investigate the clinical effects of A. vera as an active ingredient in toothpaste formulations. Materials and Methods: The data used in this review was extracted from articles published until 2020. We searched official databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Science Direct, using the “Aloe vera”, “dentifrice”, and “toothpaste” keywords. After screening titles and abstracts, relevant studies were used for full-text review. Results: Although conflicting results have been reported on the usage of A. vera toothpaste in different studies, the majority of findings suggest that A. vera effectively reduces periodontal indices and removes different organisms, including Streptococcus mutans. However, the overall effects of this herbal toothpaste were found to be equal to those of other commercial toothpaste. Conclusions: Aloe vera toothpaste is as beneficial as other kinds of toothpaste. Therefore, it can be used as an adjunct agent in toothpaste due to its established effects on improving periodontal problems and reducing different oral cavity micro-organisms.