As disgusting as it sounds, scientists have uncovered an unlikely ingredient for the next mouthwash – garlic.
Researchers from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates have discovered that the pungent extract can offer longer–lasting protection than leading brands.
For their study, the team collated the results of five different studies on the topic.
They found that mouthwash made from high concentrations of garlic extract can be just as effective – and even offer longer–lasting protection – compared to those containing chlorhexidine.
This antiseptic is the active ingredient in high street products such as Corsodyl, Covonia and Savlon.
The findings suggest that garlic extract mouthwash could be a ‘viable alternative’ to chlorhexidine in certain products, the authors said.
However, they did point out some drawbacks such as greater discomfort in the mouth.
And there’s no getting away from the distinctive odour.
One of the studies included in the analysis found the amount of bacteria in the mouth was reduced more in the garlic group (solid line on second graph) compared to the chlorhexidine group (solid line on first graph)
‘Chlorhexidine is widely used as a gold standard mouthwash but is associated with side effects and concerns over antimicrobial resistance,’ the authors wrote in the Journal of Herbal Medicine.
‘Garlic, known for natural antimicrobial properties, has emerged as a potential alternative.’
Research has already established garlic as one of nature’s most potent antibacterial and antifungal crops.
Extracts have been used in a range of health products designed to boost heart health, immune function and circulation.
The new meta–analysis revealed that over the course of a week, a three per cent garlic extract mouthwash was ‘significantly more effective’ in reducing the amount of salivary bacteria compared to a 0.2 per cent chlorhexidine mouthwash.
The team said that although garlic extract is not without side effects, they are generally less severe than those linked to chemical compounds.
Chlorhexidine has been known to stain teeth, alter taste sensation and trigger a burning sensation inside the mouth.
Adverse reactions to the garlic extract also included discomfort in the mouth, as well as an unpleasant smell.
A mouthwash containing garlic extract can be as effective and offer longer–lasting protection compared to chlorhexidine products, the study found (file image)
‘Garlic extract mouthwash demonstrated clinical antimicrobial effectiveness, with significant reductions in bacterial counts from baseline,’ the researchers concluded.
They emphasized the need for further clinical research involving larger sample sizes and a longer follow–up to confirm the effectiveness and applicability of using garlic as an alternative mouthwash.
‘These studies have contributed to understanding the antimicrobial role of garlic extract in comparison to synthetic agents like chlorhexidine,’ they added.
‘However, most studies are in vitro, vary in methods and lack clinical standardization, highlighting the need for further research to confirm garlic’s efficacy in dental practice.’
Garlic’s health benefits derive from the many natural compounds it contains, particularly allicin.
A 2018 review of studies by the University of Nottingham said that these benefits are ‘rooted in the sulphur compounds the plant absorbs from the soil’.
These are broken down into around 50 different sulphur–containing compounds during food preparation and digestion, which then become ‘biologically active’ inside our cells.
CAUSES OF BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS)
There are a number of possible causes of halitosis:
Poor oral hygiene
This is the most common cause. Bacteria that build up on your teeth – particularly between them – as well as your tongue and gums, can produce unpleasant-smelling gases. These bacteria are also responsible for gum disease and tooth decay.
Food and drink
Eating strongly flavoured foods, such as garlic, onions and spices, is likely to make your breath smell. Strong-smelling drinks, such as coffee and alcohol, can also cause bad breath.
Bad breath caused by food and drink is usually temporary. Good dental hygiene will also help.
Smoking
As well as making your breath smell, smoking stains your teeth, irritates your gums, and reduces your sense of taste.
It can also significantly affect the development of gum disease, another major cause of bad breath.
The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene, although other reasons are food and drink, smoking and certain medications and medical conditions (stock image)
Crash dieting
Crash dieting, fasting, and low-carbohydrate diets are another possible cause of bad breath. They cause the body to break down fat, which produces chemicals called ketones that can be smelled on your breath.
Medication
These include: nitrates – these are sometimes used to treat angina; some chemotherapy medication; and tranquillisers (phenothiazines).
If the medication you’re taking is causing bad breath, your GP may be able to recommend an alternative.
Medical conditions
In rare cases, bad breath can be caused by certain medical conditions. In dry mouth (xerostomia), the flow and composition of saliva may be affected.
Dry mouth can sometimes be caused by a problem in the salivary glands or by breathing through your mouth instead of your nose.
In some cases, gastrointestinal conditions can also cause bad breath. For example, a bacterial infection of the stomach lining and small intestine (H. pylori infection) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) have been linked to bad breath.
Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include diabetes and lung, throat, or nose infections – for example, bronchiectasis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis.
Halitophobia
Some people are convinced they have bad breath when they don’t. This psychological condition is called halitophobia.
Source: NHS Choices
