Leon Barretto

Oral health is given special emphasis in Unani medicine due to the understanding that diseases of the mouth affect eating and nutrition which may affect all systems of the body. Orofacial Diseases are described extensively in Unani literature in a systematic manner and many drugs such as Aqar Qarha (Anacyclus pyrethrum DC.), Kaat safed (Acacia catechu Willd.) etc are described which have shown promising results in recent scientific studies.

Orofacial Diseases/Oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew. Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer.

Similar to Ayurvedic medicine, Unani medicine also recommends daily use of therapeutic procedures like chewing sticks for brushing of teeth in the morning as well as after every meal for the prevention and maintenance of oral health. Many Unani physicians advocate use of herbal formulations in their Usool-e-Ilaj (Unani principles for treatment) for the prevention and management of dental health. Herbs which are advocated in Unani system like Miswak (Salvadora Persica), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Anar (Punicagranatum), Aqarqarha (Anacyclus pyrethrum), etc. are found to be useful in treatment of orofacial diseases.

Unani drugs are easily accessible, cheaper and relatively safer than other conventional medicines. Hence, the search for alternative products continues and natural phytochemicals isolated from plants used in traditional medicine are considered as good alternatives to synthetic chemicals

However, since most of the drugs which have been described in Unani material medica and are widely used by the physicians of Unani medicine in the treatment of dental diseases have still not been studied scientifically for their claimed effects. Therefore, there is an element of doubt regarding their efficacy and safety that can only be removed by scientific validation