Therapeutic Potential of Latin American Medicinal Plants in Oral Diseases: From Dental Pain to Periodontal Inflammation-A Systematic Review.

Oral diseases pose a major public health challenge, especially in low-income countries where dental care is limited due to high costs. In this context, phytotherapy has gained attention as a complementary approach due to its bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, healing, and analgesic properties. These therapeutic effects are mainly attributed to plant-derived bioactive metabolites, which interact with cellular structures, especially the plasma membrane, to modulate inflammation, stimulate tissue regeneration, and support antimicrobial defense. This review systematically examined the scientific literature to identify Latin American medicinal plants with therapeutic potential in dentistry. Based on their clinical and ethnobotanical applications, the analysis focused on species with anti-inflammatory, healing, analgesic, and relaxing effects, particularly in conditions such as dental pain, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Given the close relationship between pain, inflammation, and periodontal disease, these conditions cannot be studied in isolation. Gingivitis and periodontitis often present with painful symptoms and inflammatory responses that overlap with mechanisms of tissue damage and repair. Therefore, broadening the scope of this review allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how Latin American medicinal plants can contribute not only to pain relief but also to periodontal health, inflammation control, and wound healing. Fifty plant species were identified. Among these, 35 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, 28 had healing properties, 20 showed analgesic effects, and 12 were associated with relaxing properties. Mexico accounted for the highest proportion of species (60%), followed by Colombia and Peru (54%) and then Brazil (32%). These percentages represent the proportion of plant species reported in studies originating from each country, relative to the total number of species identified in the review. The most studied species were Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. (Lamiaceae), Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae), Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Asphodelaceae), and Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae). Latin American medicinal plants demonstrate strong potential not only in dental therapy but also in the management of periodontal inflammation and oral diseases. However, further research and clinical validation are needed to ensure their safe integration into conventional treatments.