Evidence supporting the use of: Garlic
For the body system: Gums

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, including for oral and gum health. Folk remedies across various cultures have recommended chewing raw garlic, using garlic-infused mouth rinses, or applying crushed garlic to gums to relieve toothache and combat gum infections. The rationale stems from garlic’s well-known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which were observed long before scientific understanding of bacteria or inflammation.

Modern research lends some support to these traditional uses, showing that compounds in garlic, especially allicin, have antimicrobial activity against bacteria implicated in gum disease, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. However, direct clinical evidence for garlic’s efficacy in treating or preventing gum disease in humans is limited and mostly consists of small-scale or laboratory studies. Most dental professionals do not recommend garlic as a primary treatment for gum disease due to insufficient clinical trials and potential for oral irritation. Thus, while there is a strong basis in tradition and some preliminary scientific rationale, robust evidence from large human studies is lacking.

In summary, garlic’s use for gum support is primarily justified by traditional practices, with an evidence rating of 2 due to limited preliminary scientific findings but a lack of strong clinical validation.

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