We're used to fighting bacteria in our mouths with powerful chemicals, but it seems nature has a worthy answer. Researchers at the University of Sharjah have come to an interesting conclusion: ordinary garlic could become a serious competitor to medical mouthwashes.
In a systematic review published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, scientists compared the effects of garlic extract with chlorhexidine, the gold standard in dentistry—the same agent that doctors have prescribed for decades to disinfect teeth.
The results were surprising: garlic extract inhibits the growth of dangerous microbes almost as effectively as its chemical counterpart, but there is an important condition – the concentration of the extract must be high.
Why are they looking for a replacement?
While chlorhexidine is great at killing bacteria, it's not perfect. Long-term use can lead to darkening of tooth enamel, changes in taste, and even the emergence of drug-resistant superbugs.
Garlic works differently. Its main weapon is the natural compound allicin, which has powerful antibacterial properties and, according to some reports, provides longer-lasting protection after rinsing. However, the natural remedy has its drawbacks: a specific smell and a burning sensation, which make it difficult for everyone to use such an “elixir” every day.
What did the experiments show?
Scientists analyzed data from five clinical studies. In some cases, the “vigorous” garlic solution even surpassed chemical antiseptics in its ability to destroy bacteria. However, scientists emphasize: weak solutions do not have this effect.
Verdict
The review authors conclude: garlic can indeed be an effective alternative, especially if the patient is contraindicated for aggressive chemicals. However, it is not a panacea. Garlic mouthwash will not replace a full-fledged treatment at the dentist. In addition, larger studies are needed to finally confirm safety and develop the ideal formula.
