Garlic extract rivals traditional mouthwash for dental hygiene in surprising new review
Dr. Ellie Phillips, DDS, of Texas, recommends specific steps for proper oral care
TL;DR
- A review suggests garlic extract mouthwash may fight germs as effectively as chlorhexidine.
- Garlic is explored as a natural alternative to chlorhexidine due to its known antimicrobial properties and concerns about chlorhexidine's side effects.
- Higher-concentration garlic mouthwash showed antimicrobial effects comparable to chlorhexidine in some studies.
- Effectiveness varied based on concentration and duration of application, with some studies favoring chlorhexidine for plaque/salivary pH and others favoring garlic extract at certain concentrations.
- Garlic mouthwash was linked to potential discomforts like a burning sensation and unpleasant flavor.
- The review highlights a limited number of qualifying clinical trials and inconsistencies in study designs, necessitating larger, well-designed trials to confirm garlic extract mouthwash as a reliable alternative.