A recent systematic review suggests that garlic-based mouthwashes may match the antimicrobial effectiveness of chlorhexidine, the current gold standard in oral antiseptics. Higher concentrations of garlic extract were found to be comparable to chlorhexidine in reducing harmful oral bacteria, with some studies indicating longer-lasting antimicrobial activity. While garlic mouthwashes were associated with increased discomfort and an unpleasant odor, reported side effects were generally less severe than those linked to synthetic agents. Key antimicrobial effects are thought to be driven by allicin, a bioactive compound in garlic. Although promising, the authors emphasize the need for larger, standardized clinical studies to confirm efficacy and define garlic’s role as a practical natural alternative in routine oral care.

Reference:

Abdelaal YA, et al. Journal of Herbal Medicine 2025;54:101053. DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101053.