The Role of Honey in Dental Caries Prevention: A Narrative Review

Dental caries is a multifactorial infectious disease influenced by diet and dental biofilm activity, characterized by acid production from bacterial fermentation of dietary carbohydrates, with Streptococcus mutans playing a central role in its development. It remains one of the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases worldwide. In recent years, honey has emerged as a natural agent of interest in oral healthcare due to its antibacterial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. In vitro studies indicate that honey exerts a multifactorial antimicrobial effect mediated by hydrogen peroxide, polyphenols, bioactive peptides, and a complex mixture of over 200 compounds, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Its activity has been demonstrated against key oral pathogens, including S. mutans and Lactobacillus species, although potency varies depending on honey type, concentration, and formulation. Clinical evidence suggests that honey may reduce plaque accumulation and improve gingival health, but its effectiveness generally remains inferior to conventional agents such as chlorhexidine. Novel honey-based formulations, including toothpastes and mouth rinses, show promising antibiofilm activity; however, clinical validation remains limited. In addition, the effects of honey on enamel integrity remain unclear, with in vitro studies reporting heterogeneous findings, ranging from potential protective or neutral outcomes to possible demineralizing effects depending on experimental conditions. Overall, honey may serve as a complementary adjunct in oral hygiene and caries prevention but cannot replace established preventive measures. Well-designed, long-term clinical trials with standardized formulations are needed to confirm its efficacy and establish practical guidelines for its use in dental care.