Processed and synthetic formulations such as mouthwashes and chemical-based toothpastes most often aggravate the problem that they claim to correct. Very often the consequences can be even more severe. The Dept. of Health and Human Services in the USA has issued warnings that alcohol in mouthwashes is linked to both oral and throat cancer. Fluoride in toothpastes has already been linked to cancer.

In a study to determine the most effective method for reducing plaque formation and the level of bacteria on teeth surface it was found that micro-organisms found in inflamed gums are resistant to antibiotics but not to antibacterial plant extracts like Neem. And unlike antibiotics, antibacterial plant extracts produced no allergy in the gingival that could inhibit their effectiveness.