Garlic is famous for many things, boosting flavour, warding off vampires, and making your kitchen smell incredible (or incredibly strong). But new research suggests it might have one more surprising talent: acting as a natural alternative to traditional mouthwash. 

The research published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine found that an extract made from garlic could offer antimicrobial powers comparable to chlorhexidine, a common chemical used in many medical-grade mouthwashes. 

But could garlic replace chemical mouthwashes altogether? 

Dr Michelle Dickinson discusses the findings and her take on it with Francesca Rudkin.

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