Garlic, its Role in Oral Health-A Review

The use of plant products to improve dental health and to promote oral hygiene is in exist long since. Lack of oral hygiene result in accumulation of plaque and calculus, which is the major etiology factors for gingivitis and periodontitis. Undoubtedly, the natural products are the source for most of the pharmaceuticals. Arrange of treatment modalities are available for the treatment of different oral diseases. The frequent use and misuse of currently available therapeutic agents has led to the evolution of increased incidence of adverse effects and development of resistant strains. Hence the search for alternative option continues. Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its family is Lilliceae. Epidemiologically, garlic consumption inversely correlates with the risk of oral, stomach, esophageal, colon, and prostate cancers. It increases phagocytosis which increases the white blood cells to fight off infection. The active compounds present in garlic are Sulfoxides, gama-glutamylcysteines. It plays a major role in the prevention of Heinz body anemia, gastric ulcers uterine stimulant, and prolong bleeding time. Garlic has a broad anti-microbial spectrum, and anti-parasitic properties. This review article describes about the garlic's effect on oral health.