An antimicrobial mouthwash containing garlic extract could challenge chlorhexidine as the standard of care, according to a news report from ScienceDaily.
In a systematic review published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, investigators identified five studies focused on the effectiveness of the garlic-based mouthwash and chlorhexidine in clinical practice.
Compared with chlorhexidine, the garlic-based mouthwash provided comparable antimicrobial efficacy — particularly at higher concentrations — but longer-lasting residual effects. The investigators found that the garlic-based mouthwash demonstrated notable reductions in bacteria levels compared with baseline. Despite the positive results, the participants who received the garlic-based mouthwash were more likely to report discomfort such as burning sensations and unpleasant taste.
The findings could point to a more natural alternative to chlorhexidine. Nonetheless, larger studies with longer follow-ups are needed to confirm the efficacy of garlic extract in dental practice and better understand the clinical applicability of the garlic-based mouthwash.
Read more: ScienceDaily
