Ginger & Oral Health: Gums, Caries, Breath, and Oral Microbiome

1. Antibacterial action against cariogenic bacteria

Streptococcus mutans is the main bacterium causing caries: it produces acids that decalcify enamel and forms biofilm (dental plaque). 6-gingerol inhibits S.mutans (MIC = 0.5–1 mg/mL), reduces lactic acid production and disrupts biofilm formation. Result: 28% reduction in dental plaque vs control after 3 weeks of ginger mouthwash.

2. Prevention of periodontitis

Porphyromonas gingivalis is the key pathogen in periodontitis. It produces gingipains (proteases that break down periodontal tissue) and activates TLR2/inflammation-mecanisme-cle-ginger-sucre-explication-2026">NF-κB → chronic gingival inflammation. Ginger:

• Inhibits P.gingivalis (direct antibacterial activity)
• Inhibits gingipains (reduction of periodontal destruction)
• Reduces gingival inflammation via COX-2 and IL-1β in gingival fibroblasts

Clinical study (n=45, chronic gingivitis): ginger gargle 2×/day for 4 weeks → 35% reduction in gingival bleeding index, 31% plaque reduction.

3. Treatment of halitosis (bad breath)

Halitosis is mainly caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSC): hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide — produced by anaerobic bacteria on the tongue and in the sulcus. Ginger:

• Stimulates saliva secretion (increased saliva dilutes and eliminates VSC)
• 6-gingerol reacts with VSC via oxidation → odor reduction
• Neutralizes VSC-producing anaerobic bacteria (antibacterial action in tongue film)

4. Enamel protection

Enamel erosion is the result of prolonged oral acidity (pH < 5.5). Ginger stimulates saliva secretion (saliva = natural buffer → pH maintenance above 6.5 → enamel protection).

Oral health protocol

Internal use (ingestion)

• 1 shot of INTI ginger in the morning → improved saliva secretion → all-day protection
• After meals (if available): rinse with water followed by ½ shot of INTI → post-prandial anti-caries effect

Topical use (mouthwash)

• Dilute ½ shot of INTI in 50 mL lukewarm water
• Gargle for 30 seconds, 2×/day (morning and evening)
• Do not rinse immediately to allow gingerols to work

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