Does Ginger Remove Plaque? An In-Depth Look at Oral Health

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

While some sources claim ginger can help remove plaque, a 2021 study on herbal mouthwashes found that a formulation with green tea and ginger reduced plaque significantly, demonstrating its potential as an adjunct therapy. This article explores the science behind ginger's effects on plaque and oral hygiene, differentiating between its therapeutic properties and the necessity of mechanical cleaning.

Quick Summary

Ginger possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can inhibit the growth of oral bacteria responsible for plaque formation and reduce gum inflammation. However, it cannot physically remove existing plaque buildup, especially hardened tartar, which requires mechanical and professional cleaning.

Key Points

Antimicrobial Action: Ginger contains compounds like gingerols that inhibit the growth of bacteria, including those responsible for plaque formation.
Not a Mechanical Cleaner: Ginger's properties do not enable it to physically scrub or remove existing, sticky plaque or hardened tartar from tooth surfaces.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger can help reduce the swelling and irritation associated with gingivitis.
Part of a Broader Strategy: Ginger is best used as an adjunct to proper oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings.
Supports Saliva Production: Chewing on raw ginger can boost saliva flow, providing a natural rinsing action that helps clear food debris.
Professional Care is Essential: Only a dental professional can effectively remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

Understanding Dental Plaque and Ginger's Role

Dental plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If not regularly removed through brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease. While no natural food can scrape off established plaque like a toothbrush, ginger offers several valuable properties that contribute to better oral health and help manage the bacterial load in your mouth.

Ginger's Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) contains powerful bioactive compounds known as gingerols and shogaols. These compounds have proven antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of various oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, a primary contributor to plaque formation. By fighting these harmful microorganisms, ginger helps create a less hospitable environment for plaque to develop. Furthermore, its renowned anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce the swelling and irritation associated with gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.

How Ginger Aids in Preventing Plaque Formation

Incorporating ginger into your diet or oral hygiene routine can be a supportive measure alongside proper dental care. While it can't physically scrub away existing deposits, its effects are primarily preventative:

Inhibits Biofilm Formation: Studies have shown that ginger extracts can help inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilm, the initial stage of plaque development, on tooth surfaces.
Boosts Saliva Production: Chewing on a small piece of fresh, raw ginger can increase saliva flow, which acts as a natural cleanser to wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
Fights Periodontal Pathogens: Specific gingerol compounds have been shown to have a lethal effect on bacteria linked to periodontal disease, offering a potential adjunct to traditional treatments.

Ginger vs. Professional Dental Cleaning

It is crucial to understand that natural remedies like ginger are not a substitute for professional dental care. Here is a comparison highlighting the key differences:


Feature	Ginger as a Remedy	Professional Dental Cleaning
Plaque Removal	Helps prevent plaque formation by fighting bacteria, but cannot physically scrape off established deposits.	Mechanically removes existing soft plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) using specialized tools.
Tartar Removal	Ineffective at removing tartar, which is calcified plaque that bonds firmly to teeth.	The only effective method for removing tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline.
Reach	Acts in areas where it makes contact, primarily on teeth and gums exposed to saliva.	Accesses difficult-to-reach areas, including below the gumline and between teeth, that at-home methods often miss.
Prevention	Supports oral health by reducing bacteria and inflammation, contributing to prevention.	Removes the foundation for future plaque and tartar buildup, providing a fresh start for improved home care.
Safety	Generally safe for consumption in moderation. Can be irritating for some.	Performed by a trained professional to ensure safety and prevent damage to enamel or gums.

How to Incorporate Ginger into Your Oral Care Routine

If you want to use ginger as a supportive tool for your dental hygiene, consider these methods:

Chew on Raw Ginger: Chewing a small piece of fresh, raw ginger can stimulate saliva and release its antibacterial compounds directly into your mouth.
Make a Ginger Mouthwash: Some studies have explored the efficacy of ginger-based mouthwashes. You can create a simple version by boiling fresh ginger slices in water, straining, and letting it cool before using it as a rinse.
Include in Diet: Add ginger to your meals, teas, and smoothies to gain its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits systemically.

Conclusion: A Supportive Role, Not a Solution

While ginger can offer valuable antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory support that helps prevent plaque buildup and reduce gum inflammation, it does not have the ability to remove established dental plaque. Its active compounds, like gingerols, inhibit the growth of harmful oral bacteria, but they cannot perform the mechanical cleaning action of brushing, flossing, or a professional dental cleaning. Think of ginger as a natural supplement to a rigorous oral hygiene regimen, not a replacement for it. For optimal dental health, combine regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups with a balanced diet that includes beneficial foods like ginger.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For further information on the scientific basis of ginger's effects on oral bacteria, consider consulting a study published by the National Institutes of Health. Effect of green tea, ginger plus green tea, and chlorhexidine mouthwash on plaque and gingivitis in children

Frequently Asked Questions

Chewing on raw ginger can release its antimicrobial compounds and stimulate saliva production, which helps prevent new plaque from forming. However, it cannot physically remove existing plaque buildup like brushing or flossing.

No, ginger is not more effective and should never replace regular brushing and flossing. The mechanical action of a toothbrush and floss is essential for physically dislodging and removing plaque from tooth surfaces.

No, ginger cannot remove tartar. Tartar, or dental calculus, is hardened plaque that requires professional dental instruments for removal. Natural remedies are ineffective against it.

Ginger can help prevent cavities by inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria, like Streptococcus mutans. However, it is a supportive measure, not a definitive preventative method on its own.

Ginger is generally safe, but its strong, spicy flavor can cause minor irritation in the mouth for some. As with any natural remedy, moderation is key.

Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce symptoms like swollen and irritated gums, but it cannot cure gum disease. Proper treatment requires professional dental care.

Some herbal mouthwashes containing ginger show promise in reducing plaque and gingivitis, and may be comparable to conventional options, but more research is needed. For many, a high-quality, ADA-approved mouthwash offers a more predictable and consistent result.