Alternative mouthwash could contend with chlorhexidine

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

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