Polyphenols and oral health

Introduction: Polyphenols (PPs) are reactive metabolites abundant in plant derived foods, especially fruits, seeds and leaves. Polyphenols exert preventive activity against infectious and degenerative diseases including oral diseases. Objective: This non-systematic review discusses the preventive activity of PPs in the diet against oral diseases as well as their limitations. Literature review: Relevant references have been used to summarize the beneficial effects of PPs in our diet and to understand why they are receiving increasing interest from health professionals for potential clinical use, as well as food manufacturers and consumers alike. Conclusion: Better knowledge of dietary polyphenols could offer a very economical public health intervention in maintaining oral health.