Researchers at the University of Sharjah have found that garlic extract may be just as effective as chlorhexidine, a common antiseptic, when used as a mouthwash.
While garlic-based mouthwash can cause more discomfort, it might provide longer-lasting protection against harmful microbes in the mouth.
The study was published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine and compared garlic extract to chlorhexidine, which is often called the “gold standard” for mouthwashes.
However, chlorhexidine can have side effects and has raised concerns about resistance to antimicrobial agents. Garlic, on the other hand, is well-known for its natural antibacterial and antifungal qualities.
To investigate how garlic extract performs, the researchers did a systematic review, which means they collected and carefully analyzed results from earlier studies.
They followed strict international guidelines to make sure their work was reliable and accurate. Out of 389 articles they originally found, only five met all the criteria and were included in the final review.
The review focused on clinical studies and trials. It found that garlic extract, especially in higher concentrations, worked similarly to chlorhexidine in fighting bacteria. The effectiveness depended on how strong the garlic mouthwash was and how long it was used.
Some studies found that chlorhexidine was better at keeping the mouth less acidic, which is good for dental health. Others showed garlic extract worked better at certain strengths. One downside is that garlic mouthwash may cause more discomfort, such as a burning feeling or a strong odor, which could make people less willing to use it regularly.
Still, garlic mouthwash has fewer severe side effects than chemical antiseptics. It significantly reduced bacteria in the mouth, which supports the idea that garlic could be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine in some cases.
However, researchers say more studies with larger groups of people and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm its effectiveness and make it more widely accepted in dental care.
Garlic’s use in health and medicine goes far beyond the mouth. It contains a powerful compound called allicin, which has strong antimicrobial effects. Garlic is used as both a herb and a spice, and it has been studied for its ability to fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
In 2024, people around the world consumed about 30 million metric tons of garlic, and China produced most of it.
Garlic extracts are often sold in health stores and pharmacies without a prescription, unlike synthetic agents such as chlorhexidine, which usually require approval from a doctor or dentist.
Mouthwashes that fight germs play an important role in keeping our mouths healthy. They help prevent or manage problems like gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and more. Garlic extract has been studied for a wide range of uses in dental care, including treating fungal infections in people who wear dentures and as a disinfectant for tooth canals.
While many of these studies were done in labs and used different methods, the results are promising. Still, researchers warn that more clinical research is needed to fully understand how effective garlic is when used in everyday dental practice. Right now, there’s a gap in the scientific evidence, and more high-quality research could help fill it.
In conclusion, garlic extract shows strong potential as a natural and effective mouthwash. It may not fully replace chlorhexidine just yet, but it offers an exciting alternative—especially for people looking for herbal or over-the-counter options to support their oral health.
If you care about tooth health, please read studies about an important causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and common tooth disease that may increase risks of dementia.
For more health information, please see recent studies about mouthwash that may increase your tooth damage, and results showing this diet could help treat gum disease.
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