Herbs are usually safe if used with proper knowledge, but they can be harmful if misused. In vitro studies indicate that many Asian botanical formulae, including their individual herbal compounds and chemical constituents, exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may significantly delay the development of plaque, calculus and caries. While anti cariogenic and anti calculus activities for some of these substances have been demonstrated in animal models. However, results from human clinical trials have been inconclusive. Hence herbs should be used for treatment procedures that...