There has been discussion over the years regarding mouthwash - what are the harms and benefits? Does using mouthwash regularly disrupt the oral (mouth) microbiome? Chlorhexidine mouthwash is generally considered the best for treating gingivitis and killing bacteria.
Researchers at the College of Dental Medicine, Univ. of Sharjah in the UAE, recently published a review of studies comparing garlic extract mouthwash vs chlorhexidine mouthwash. They found that garlic mouthwash can be as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash.
Garlic (Allium sativum) has natural antimicrobial properties. The researchers found that among the studies there were some differences in effectiveness for both types of mouthwash depending on the concentration used and duration of application.
However, one negative they found is that garlic mouthwash can be more uncomfortable to use - it can cause a burning sensation and unpleasant taste.
Excerpts from Science Daily: Garlic mouthwash shows shockingly strong germ-fighting power
Garlic extract has been found to offer antimicrobial effects that are on par with commonly used antiseptics and disinfectants such as chlorhexidine, according to medical researchers at the University of Sharjah.
The study, published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, reports that garlic-based mouthwash may produce more discomfort than chlorhexidine but appears to provide longer-lasting residual activity.
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