About Authors:
RESHMY RAJAN
DEPT OF PHARMACEUTICS, AMRITA SCHOOL OF PHARMACY,
AIMS HEALTH CARE CAMPUS,
KOCHI 682041
ABSTRACT
Dental diseases are recognized as a major public health problem, in civilized society. The prevalence of tooth decay, various dental diseases, and tooth loss are so great that a permanent healthy oral system in the body is almost impossible. Dental diseases are studied by oral examination of a particular section of the population and the incidence measured by the number of new cases occurring in a given period of time. In UK it is estimated that 99% of children under 12 years suffer from dental caries. Modern dentifrices compositions contain numerous components that have various therapeutic and cosmetic functions. Fluoride was the first of the therapeutic additions to the basic dentifrice formulations. Most of the dental compositions contain an abrasive cleansing agent which aids in the removal of adherent deposits on the teeth. Advertising and taste rather than therapeutic superiority determine the market advantage. During the past decade, however, it has not been enough for a dentifrice to prevent tooth decay or create a smile that will win the man, woman or job of one's dreams. Now, it seems, a dentifrice must fight tartar, plaque and gum disease as well. And manufacturers do not want to forget "niche" consumers -smokers, natural product fans, people with tooth sensitivity, and those with dry mouths. Sustained-release delivery systems allocate extended drug action to treat dental and periodontal diseases compared to the conventional dosage forms. Herbal extracts have been successfully used in dentistry as tooth cleaning and antimicrobial plaque agents. Only two out of ten 5-year old have sound teeth according to the General Dental Council.The present review deals with the various novel formulations of dentifrices.
