title: Is synthetic mouthwash the final choice to treat oral malodour?
abstract: The aim of the review was to critically appraise the various pros and cons of the synthetic and herbal agents used in mouthwashes against halitosis and facilitate users to choose appropriate mouthwashes according to their need. Oral Malodour (OMO) or halitosis is a global epidemic with social and psychological impact. Use of mouthwash has been adopted worldwide to control halitosis within a past few decades. Alcohol and Chlorhexidine are common agents in synthetic mouthwashes, while Tannins and Eugenol are derived traditional herbal extracts. Each agent signifies some unique properties distinguishing them from others. Herbal ingredients are gaining the attention of the profession due to its mild side effects and competitive results. Herbal mouthwashes can be a safer choice in combating OMO, as an alternate to synthetic mouthwashes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Balai Ungku Aziz, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur-50603, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Rafey Ahmad
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Jameel
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Balai Ungku Aziz, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur-50603, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Shah Salman
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Balai Ungku Aziz, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur-50603, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Mohammad Firdaus
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Kamaruddin
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Balai Ungku Aziz, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur-50603, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Zubaidah Hj
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Abd Rahim
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Balai Ungku Aziz, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur-50603, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Marina Mohd
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Bakri
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Balai Ungku Aziz, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur-50603, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Fathilah Binti
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Abdul Razak
mesh_terms: D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005054:Eugenol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006209:Halitosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013634:Tannins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D009067:Mouthwashes; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013634:Tannins; D005054:Eugenol; D002710:Chlorhexidine