Formulation and Development of Dental Gel for Anti-Inflammatory as Well As Analgesic Effect

Dental gels have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional oral care products, offering enhanced benefits for maintaining oral hygiene and treating common dental conditions. These gels are formulated with various active ingredients, such as fluoride, antimicrobial agents, desensitizing compounds, and natural extracts, to address a wide range of oral health concerns. Unlike toothpaste or mouthwash, which are typically applied in bulk, dental gels are designed for targeted application to specific areas of the mouth, ensuring more effective localized treatment. Dentifrices serve multiple functions in oral hygiene through the inclusion of a variety of agents. They act as plaque- and stain-removing agents through the use of abrasives and surfactants. Pleasant flavors and colors encourage their use. They have tartar control properties because of the addition of pyrophosphates. Finally, dentifrices have anti-caries and desensitization properties through the action of fluoride and other agents. Dentifrice-associated slough is a relatively common phenomenon that has been associated with the use of several different brands of toothpaste. It is believed to be a superficial chemical burn or a reaction to a component in the dentifrice, possibly the detergent or flavoring compounds. This process may be related to the use of essential oil–containing mouth rinses. Clinically, it appears as a superficial whitish slough of the buccal mucosa, typically detected by the patient as oral peeling that easily swipes away. The condition is painless and is not known to progress to anything significant. The problem resolves with a switch to another, blander toothpaste or mouth rinse. White mucosal changes have been described in association with the use of toothpaste and mouthwashes containing the substance sanguinaria). The alteration is typically seen in the maxillary vestibule, although other sites may be affected. (1) The unique properties of dental gels—such as their ability to adhere to tooth surfaces and gums—allow for extended contact time, enabling better delivery and absorption of therapeutic agents. This prolonged exposure enhances the efficacy of the gel, making it a valuable option for addressing issues like tooth sensitivity, gingivitis, plaque buildup, and cavity prevention. This paper will focus on two commonly used approaches of fluoride delivery, namely, fluoride dentifrice and fluoride mouthwashes. Remineralization strategies other than fluoride will also be addressed, as well as the use of high fluoride preparations intended to arrest dental caries as part of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) approach. The bulk of the paper will deal with fluoride dentifrice, which is probably the least appealing of these subjects, unless you include whitening ingredients, but it remains one of the most important caries prevention tools we have today. This introduction highlights the growing role of dental gels in contemporary oral care, their formulation, and their potential to improve both preventive and therapeutic oral health treatments. As the dental care industry continues to innovate, dental gels are poised to become an integral part of personalized, effective oral care regimens.

DENTAL CARIES

(6) Dental caries (also known as tooth decay or dental cavities) is the most common non-communicable disease worldwide. Severe dental caries affects general health and often causes pain and infection, which may result in tooth extraction. Dental caries is an expensive disease to treat, consuming 5–10% of healthcare budgets in industrialized countries, and is among the main reasons for hospitalization of children in some high-income countries. Free sugars are the essential dietary factor in the development of dental caries. Dental caries develops when bacteria in the mouth metabolize sugars to produce acid that demineralizes the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel and dentine).

Turmeric

• Scientific Name: Curcuma longa  
• Family: Zingiberaceae  
• Common Names: Haldi (Hindi), Indian Saffron, Haridra (Sanskrit)  
• Parts Used: Rhizome (root)  

2. Chemical Composition 

• Curcuminoids: Curcumin (the primary active compound), demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin           
• Volatile Oils: Turmerone, atlantone, zingiberene
• Polysaccharides: Ukonan A, B, and C  
• Other Compounds: Proteins, resins, and starch

3. Therapeutic Uses 

• Skin Conditions: o Treats acne, eczema, and psoriasis. o Used as a wound healer and to reduce scars.  
• Digestive Disorders: o Treats indigestion, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). o Protects the stomach lining and combats ulcers.  
• Respiratory Health: o Helps in asthma, bronchitis, and colds. o Acts as an expectorant and anti-allergic.  
• Arthritis and Joint Pain: o Reduces inflammation and pain in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.  
• Cancer Prevention: o Prevents and slows down the growth of various cancers.  
• Cardiovascular Health: o Reduces cholesterol, improves blood flow, and prevents plaque formation.  
• Diabetes Management: o Lowers blood sugar and prevents complications like diabetic nephropathy.  
• Liver Protection: o Detoxifies the liver and prevents liver damage (8).          

Clove

• Scientific                                       Name: Syzygium aromaticum  
• Family: Myrtaceae
• Common Names: Lavang (Hindi), Laung, Clou de Girofle (French), Eugenia Caryophyllata  
• Parts Used: Dried flower buds, essential oil  

2. Chemical Composition 

• Essential Oil Components: o Eugenol (major compound, 70-90%) o Eugenyl acetate o β-Caryophyllene  
• Flavonoids: Kaempferol, rhamnetin 
• Tannins: Gallic acid  
• Other Compounds: Resins, cellulose, and phenolic acids  

3. Therapeutic Uses 

• Dental Health: o Used to treat toothaches, gum pain, and bad breath. o Active ingredient in many mouthwashes and toothpastes. 
• Digestive Disorders: o Relieves indigestion, nausea, and bloating. o Stimulates gastric secretions for better digestion. 
• Respiratory Health: o Helps in colds, coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. o Acts as an expectorant and relieves congestion. 
• Skin Conditions: o Used for acne and minor infections. o Helps in wound healing. 
• Joint and Muscle Pain: o Provides relief in arthritis, rheumatism, and sore muscles. 
• Immune Booster: o Enhances immunity through its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. 
• Other Uses: o Eases menstrual cramps and improves circulation (8).

Tea Tree Oil

1. General Information 

• Scientific Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
• Family: Myrtaceae • Common Names: Tea Tree Oil, Melaleuca Oil    
• Parts Used: Leaves (steam-distilled to produce the oil) 

2. Chemical Composition 

• Terpenes: o Terpinen-4-ol (major component, ~30-40%)

o γ-Terpinene

o α- Terpinene

o 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol)                                     

• Sesquiterpenes: Viridiflorene, α-Cadinene
• Alcohols: Terpineol

3. Therapeutic Uses 

• Skin Conditions: o Treats acne, eczema, psoriasis, and minor cuts or burns. o Reduces dandruff and scalp irritation. 
• Fungal Infections: o Effective against athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and ringworm.  • Respiratory Health: o Used in steam inhalation to relieve nasal congestion and cold symptoms. 
• Oral Health: o Prevents bad breath, gum infections, and mouth ulcers (in diluted form).           
• Insect Bites and Stings: o Reduces itching, swelling, and redness caused by bites. 
• Wound Healing: o Enhances wound healing by preventing microbial growth (7).

METHOD AND MATERIAL

MATERIAL: - 

Table^: -1 Ingredients table

METHODOLOGY

RESULT & DISCUSSION

(1) The development of dental gels represents a significant advancement in oral health care, providing a targeted and efficient method for delivering therapeutic agents. Unlike traditional toothpaste or mouthwash, dental gels offer enhanced adhesion to tooth surfaces and gums, allowing for prolonged contact and sustained release of active ingredients. This unique feature provides a more localized and effective treatment, making dental gels an appealing option for managing a wide range of oral health issues, from cavity prevention to tooth sensitivity and gingivitis. (2) Dental caries or dental calculus remains the most common totally preventable disease facing mankind. Its impact ranges from a minor inconvenience requiring surgical caries removal and restorative treatment to excruciating pain and loss of masticatory function. While the role of plaque bio-film in caries causation is beyond refute, it is also becoming increasingly clear that strategies directed at eliminating specific caries-associated microorganisms, which are members of the endogenous micro-flora, have not only proven to be difficult but may also be unwise. Pleasant flavors and colors encourage their use. They have tartar control properties because of the addition of pyrophosphates. Finally, dentifrices have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-caries and desensitization properties through the action of fluoride and other agents. 

The purpose of this study to prepare the dentifrices (dental gel) to clean the teeth.. And for instant cleaning of teeth in less time. A dental teeth gel has been prepare and the chemical components of dentifrices are (carbopol 934, glycerin, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, clove oil, turmeric, tea tree oil and sucrose etc) were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography in further study. The dentifrices are basically ment for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. In this formulation the drug contain high anti-inflammatory and pain relieving agent and whitening agent of teeth that can be helpful for the peoples (5).

EVALUATION OF DENTAL GEL

1. Organoleptic Properties:

Table: -2 Organoleptic properties of gel 

2. Determination of Particle Size:

Particle size determination is important as the cleansing nature and abrasive property of the dentifrice mainly depends on the particle size. The particle size can be determined by using microscopical techniques or by involving the method of sieving.

3. Determination of Consistency of the Product:

This test is done in order to determine the consistency of the product for the maintenance of its flow property all throughout its storage period. The consistency of the product mainly depends on the 'rheological properties such as particle size, viscosity etc.                                                                

4. Determination of pH of the Product:

A 10% solution of the dentifrices in water is made and the pH of the dispersion is measured using a pH meter. The pH should be in the range of 5.92 in order to maintain the consistency of the product.

Figure: -7 Ph test of the gel

5. Determination of the Volatile Matter and the Moisture Content:

(6) This test is done in order to determine the amount of volatile matter and moisture content in the product. In this method, a specified amount of the product is taken and is kept for drying till a constant weight is obtained. The weight of the product before and after drying is measured and the loss in weight is calculated which determines the percentage of moisture content and volatile matter.

6. Determination of the test for the Special Ingredient:

The use of therapeutic ingredients may lead to certain incompatibilities and hence specific tests are done in order to determine the effect of the specific ingredients such as antiseptics, enzymes etc.

7. Limit Test for Heavy Metals:

The test is done in order to check the presence of any heavy metals such as arsenic and lead which may lead to toxicity. The occurrence of these metals can be avoided by carrying out the limit tests for heavy metal, for raw materials, which may reduce usage of these materials. Lead is less than 20ppm an Arsenic is less than 2ppm. 

8. Stability Analysis of Drug:

10. Anti-microbial test of Dentifrices:

(6) The antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of the dentifrices was determined by modified agar well diffusion method. In this method, nutrient agar plates were seeded with 0.5 mL of 24 h broth cultures of each isolate (brain heart infusion agar was used for Streptococcus mutans strain). The plates were allowed to dry for 1 h. A sterile 8 mm cork-borer was used to cut one central and five wells at equidistance in each of the plates. 0.2 mL of the dentifrice dilutions was introduced into each of the five wells while the same amount of sterile distilled water was introduced into the first well as control. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h (48 h for yeast species). The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by measuring the diameter of zones of inhibition (in mm). All the plates were made in triplicates and the experiments repeated thrice.                                   

Figure: -10 Microbial analysis of gel