Role of Carvacrol in Oral Health: An Overview.

Oral diseases represent significant health challenges, with periodontal diseases and dental caries ranking as key preventable infectious diseases worldwide. Oral health affects overall quality of life, and inadequate oral hygiene is associated with chronic diseases. Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid phenol found in essential oils of pepperwort (Lepidium flavum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), oregano (Origanum vulgare), wild bergamot (Citrus aurantium), and other plants. Carvacrol exhibits numerous biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Carvacrol demonstrated the ability to inhibit the oral pathogens examined and exhibited properties that prevent biofilm formation on their oral biofilm; thus, it may be used to manage and prevent the colonization of microorganisms, which is particularly important in human oral diseases. Besides, carvacrol protects gingival tissue in periodontal disease. Knowledge of carvacrol's many actions will help develop novel treatment plans, and designing clinical studies will optimize its potential advantages for treating oral diseases.