Role of cranberry juice in prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease`

Abstract

Dental caries and Periodontal Disease (periodontitis) are the most common oral diseases. The aetiology of both these diseases can be traced back to the microorganisms in the dental plaque. Over the years numerous anti plaque agents have been developed with limited success and varying degrees of adverse effects. The current research is in the direction of using plant or herbal based products as anti-plaque agent. Out of the many agents studied, cranberry (Vacciniummacrocarpon) has shown maximum potential for use as anti-plaque agent. The current paper aims to review the existing literature on cranberry and its potential use in dentistry in minimizing the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease. KEY WORDS: Cranberry Juice, Anti Plaque Agent, Periodontitis, Non Dialyzable Material