Iranians produce herbal mouthwash

Tehran, Dec 9, IRNA - Iranian researchers have produced a herbal mouthwash containing the extract of green tea, calendula, eucalyptus, thyme and peppermint. This mouthwash has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help keep bad breath at bay and boost oral health, wrote Tuesday's edition of 'Iran Daily'. According to Dr. Jalil Afshar, who led the research, tannins in green tea help strengthen teeth and gums, and soothe sore gums while fluoride in green tea helps prevent tooth decay. It combines herbs that are naturally cleansing and healing to the teeth and gums. The mouthwash cleanses and freshens the mouth while naturally killing germs. Afshar also said peppermint adds the traditional mint flavor, but is also antibacterial and cooling to the mouth. Calendula oil, one of the ingredients, is used as an anti-inflammatory and a remedy for healing wounds. Usually mouthwashes are an antiseptic solution intended to reduce the microbial load in the oral cavity, although other mouthwashes might be given for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory or anti-fungal action./end