Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Selcuk Dental Journal, cilt.13, sa.1, ss.150-153, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)
The oral cavity is a complex area of the human body that provides a unique habitat for microbial colonization, including the buccal and vestibular mucosa, lips, cheeks, palate, and teeth. Oral and periodontal diseases arise from an imbalance in the oral microbiome followed by a host immune response. Protective strategies against oral diseases include mechanical cleaning and the use of auxiliary antimicrobials. However, excessive use of antimicrobials can increase bacterial resistance and reduce the efficacy of these agents. Polyphenols are compounds synthesized by plants under adverse conditions. Polyphenols, which are consumed in varying amounts through daily nutrition, are found in vegetables, fruits, and beverages such as tea and coffee. To date, more than 8,000 different polyphenolic compounds have been identified. These compounds are classified into four main groups based on the number of phenol rings they contain and the structural elements that bind these rings: phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans. Studies have shown that polyphenols possess antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Polyphenols can prevent the adhesion of oral pathogenic bacteria and biofilm formation, inhibit the host inflammatory response caused by periodontal pathogens, reduce oxidative stress, decrease volatile sulfur compounds responsible for halitosis, and inhibit the proliferation and division of oral cancer cells. Therefore, polyphenols are considered promising candidates for natural treatments aimed at improving oral health. The purpose of this review is to provide information on the effects of polyphenols on oral health and to evaluate the results of studies conducted using polyphenols.