Research suggests that fennel demonstrates several properties relevant to dental and oral health, with studies indicating antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria, antifungal effects against oral Candida species, and the ability to raise both salivary and plaque pH levels. Clinical studies have also found that chewing fennel seeds increases plaque calcium concentration, which researchers have associated with a potentially protective effect on tooth enamel. The available evidence comes primarily from in vitro laboratory studies and small clinical investigations rather than large randomized controlled trials, which limits the strength of conclusions that can be drawn about real-world efficacy. Studies indicate a consistently supportive directional trend across these findings, though the body of research remains relatively small and further well-controlled human trials would be needed to more firmly establish fennel's role in oral health applications.
Citations from PubMed and preprint sources. Match score (0-100) reflects automated search ranking, not clinical appraisal.
| Title | Type | Year | Direction | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The effect of fennel seeds on pH of saliva - A clinical study. | Review | 2020 | Supports | 82 |
| In Vitro Anti-Cariogenic Plaque Effects of Essential Oils Extracted from Culi... | Other | 2017 | Supports | 72 |
| Chemical composition of essential oils from the apiaceae family, cytotoxicity... | Other | 2019 | Supports | 70 |
| Antifungal efficacy of Punica granatum, Acacia nilotica, Cuminum cyminum and ... | Other | 2010 | Supports | 68 |
| Effect of ACP-CPP Chewing Gum and Natural Chewable Products on Plaque pH, Cal... | Other | 2016 | Supports | 65 |