Natural Promise: Garlic Shows Potential as a Mouthwash Alternative
A recent literature review suggests an intriguing finding in the search for natural oral care solutions: garlic extract possesses antimicrobial efficacy comparable to that of widely used antiseptic mouthwashes, such as chlorhexidine.
The research, conducted by University of Sharjah researchers, was motivated by growing concerns over the side effects and potential for antimicrobial resistance associated with the long-term use of chlorhexidine. Garlic, therefore, is being proposed as a promising herbal alternative.
Efficacy Comparison and Limitations
The researchers compared the antimicrobial properties of garlic extract with chlorhexidine in clinical practice. The main findings indicate:
Comparable Efficacy: At higher concentrations and specific application durations, garlic extract showed an ability to significantly reduce bacterial counts from the baseline, comparable to chlorhexidine.
Chlorhexidine Superiority: Some studies within the review still favored chlorhexidine in maintaining a higher plaque/saliva pH level.
Garlic Drawbacks: Garlic was noted to have reported drawbacks. Side effects included a greater sensation of burning or discomfort, as well as an unpleasant odor.
The review concludes that garlic extract may be a "viable alternative" due to its bactericidal capabilities. However, they also stress the need for further clinical research involving larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up to confirm these results.
Other Natural Alternatives
Beyond garlic, other recent reviews have explored various natural substances with potential for dental disinfection, including:
Plant-Based: Clove oil, tea tree oil, neem (Indian lilac), and green tea extract—which work by disrupting microbial cell membranes and preventing biofilm formation.
Animal-Based: Propolis and honey—known to inhibit microbial growth, as well as support wound healing and reduce inflammation.
Other Compounds: A compound naturally found in maple syrup, called epicatechin gallate, was also found to potentially prevent cavity-causing biofilms from adhering to teeth.
Original Article Details
Original Title (Parafrase): Natural Promise: Garlic Shows Potential as a Mouthwash Alternative
Source: Dentistry.co.uk
Publication Date: November 26, 2025