Several herbs are known for their antimicrobial properties, making them effective at killing or inhibiting the growth of mouth bacteria. These herbs are commonly used as home remedies to promote dental health.
Here is the list of top herbs that kill mouth bacteria.
- Clove
- Neem
- Thyme
- Peppermint
- Tea Tree
- Cinnamon
- Sage
- Parsley
- Licorice Root
- Aloe Vera
- Holy Basil
- Rosemary
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
Clove is a spice with powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, widely used in oral care. Its active compound, eugenol, is a natural anesthetic and antiseptic, making it effective against toothaches and oral infections. Clove targets harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which cause cavities and plaque buildup.
Benefits
- Kills bacteria responsible for tooth decay and bad breath.
- Reduces gum inflammation and soothes pain.
- Fights fungal infections in the mouth.
How to Use
- Chew on a whole clove to release its oils for antibacterial action.
- Mix 1-2 drops of clove oil in warm water and use as a mouth rinse (do not swallow).
- Apply diluted clove oil directly to a painful tooth or gum for relief.
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Neem is a traditional Ayurvedic herb known for its potent antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it highly beneficial for oral health. It helps combat bacteria that cause plaque, cavities, and gum disease, while also freshening breath.
Benefits
- Fights bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
- Reduces plaque buildup and prevents cavities.
- Alleviates gum inflammation and supports healing of oral infections.
How to Use
- Neem Sticks: Chew on neem twigs as a natural toothbrush to clean teeth and gums.
- Neem Toothpaste: Use toothpaste containing neem extract for daily oral hygiene.
- Neem Mouthwash: Steep neem leaves in hot water, let it cool, and use as a rinse.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a powerful herb with antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, thanks to its active compound, thymol, which is commonly used in mouthwashes and dental products. It helps eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
Benefits
- Kills harmful bacteria in the mouth, including Streptococcus mutans.
- Reduces plaque buildup and prevents tooth decay.
- Combats gum inflammation and freshens breath.
How to Use
- Thyme Mouthwash: Boil a handful of thyme leaves in water, strain, and let it cool. Use as a natural mouth rinse.
- Essential Oil: Add 1-2 drops of thyme essential oil to a cup of warm water for a mouth rinse (do not swallow).
- Chewing Leaves: Chew fresh thyme leaves for natural antibacterial effects.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is a refreshing herb with strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, thanks to its active compound, menthol. It effectively combats harmful bacteria in the mouth, reduces bad breath, and promotes overall oral health.
Benefits
- Inhibits bacteria like Streptococcus mutans that cause cavities.
- Reduces bad breath and provides a cooling, soothing sensation.
- Helps alleviate gum inflammation and minor oral discomfort.
How to Use
- Mouthwash: Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to warm water and use as a rinse.
- Chewing Leaves: Chew fresh peppermint leaves to freshen breath naturally.
- Peppermint Tea: Brew peppermint tea and use it as a gentle, antibacterial mouth rinse.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea tree is a potent herb known for its strong antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its active compound, terpinen-4-ol, makes it effective in killing harmful oral bacteria and preventing gum disease.
Benefits
- Fights bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes gum disease.
- Reduces plaque buildup and prevents cavities.
- Soothes gum inflammation and helps heal oral infections.
How to Use
- Mouthwash: Dilute 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil in a cup of warm water and use it as a rinse (do not swallow).
- Toothpaste Additive: Add a drop of diluted tea tree oil to your toothpaste before brushing.
- Gum Treatment: Apply diluted tea tree oil directly to gums for localized bacterial control (always dilute to avoid irritation).
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.)
Cinnamon is a flavorful herb with strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, primarily due to its active compound, cinnamaldehyde. It helps combat harmful oral bacteria, freshens breath, and supports overall oral health.
- Active Compound: Cinnamaldehyde
- Benefits: Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and fight bad breath.
- How to Use: Add cinnamon sticks to hot water to make a tea or use cinnamon oil in a mouth rinse.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is a versatile herb with strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it highly effective for oral health. It helps reduce bacteria that cause plaque, gum disease, and bad breath, while also soothing inflamed gums.
- Active Compounds: Carnosol, rosmarinic acid
- Benefits: Sage is effective against bacteria that cause dental plaque and bad breath. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
- How to Use: Prepare a sage mouthwash by steeping sage leaves in hot water.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley is a popular herb known for its mild antibacterial properties, which help combat bad breath and support oral health. It contains chlorophyll, a natural deodorizer, and is often used in natural remedies for fresher breath.
- Active Compound: Chlorophyll
- Benefits: Parsley neutralizes bad breath and has mild antibacterial properties that help reduce oral bacteria.
- How to Use: Chew fresh parsley leaves after meals.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It is effective in promoting oral health by fighting bacteria and reducing inflammation in the mouth.
- Active Compounds: Licoricidin, licorisoflavan
- Benefits: Licorice root is effective against bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. It also soothes inflammation.
- How to Use: Use licorice root powder in homemade toothpaste or chew small pieces of the root.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe vera is a well-known plant with a range of therapeutic benefits, including its use in oral care. It has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in promoting healthy gums and a bacteria-free mouth.
- Active Compounds: Acemannan, anthraquinones
- Benefits: Aloe vera gel has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective against Streptococcus mutans and other harmful bacteria.
- How to Use: Use aloe vera gel as a natural mouthwash or apply it to gums.
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
- Active Compound: Eugenol
- Benefits: Holy basil has antimicrobial properties that combat oral bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- How to Use: Brew a tea with holy basil leaves or use its extract in a mouth rinse.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Active Compounds: Carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid
- Benefits: Rosemary has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of oral bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- How to Use: Make a rosemary mouth rinse by steeping the herb in water.