Quick Take
An Instagram post is promoting betel leaf water with cloves for oral malodour. We fact-checked the claim and found it to be false.
The Claim
A well-shared Instagram post is promoting an infusion prepared with betel leaves and cloves for several health issues, especially oral malodour. In addition to addressing bad breath, the post with the caption “एक पत्ता, अनगिनत फायदे! पान का पत्ता है असली हेल्थ टॉनिक” asserts that the recipe has the potential to manage cough, cold, acidity and digestive issues.
Fact Check
Why does one develop oral malodour? Why is it a matter of concern?
Oral malodour, additionally referred to as ‘halitosis’ or ‘bad breath‘, is a foul, unpleasant stench emanating from the mouth. This is primarily under the influence of anaerobic bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Prevotella intermedia, which have the potential to break down sulphur-containing amino acids, producing volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs).
Potential causes include inadequate oral care, tongue coatings, advanced gum disease, particularly aggressive gingival ailments, certain medications, and additional conditions such as infections, systemic disorders, dry mouth, or xerostomia.
Dr. Ketan Rajput, Periodontist and Oral Implantologist at Dr. Rajput’s Advanced Dental Care and Implant Centre in Dhule, Maharashtra, explains that halitosis, or bad breath, is an unpleasant, persistent, foul odour that can be brought on by a variety of systemic and local factors. In light of this, Dr. Rajput suggests treating the underlying reason in addition to getting expert oral care.
Although waking up with short-term, unpleasant physiological halitosis is common, its extended persistence can be concerning. This is due to the fact that it frequently indicates a systemic illness, mucosal infection, or underlying periodontal inflammation. Chronic halitosis also has a detrimental effect on interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and psychosocial well-being. Therefore, immediate and effective management of the condition is essential.
Does Ayurveda recommend a universal remedy for bad breath? How do Ayurvedic practitioners address the issue?
No, absolutely not. Ayurveda approaches Mukhadaurgandhya, or bad breath, as a symptom of underlying systemic or oral imbalances. The traditional medicine usually links the issue with poor digestion (ama accumulation), gum disease (pyorrhoea), or poor oral hygiene. Hence, based on the underlying cause, the condition is handled via both local and systemic therapies.
Local therapies from Ayurvedic medicine include gandusha, or oil pulling; herbal mouth rinses; and chewing aromatic herbs like clove, cardamom, or fennel to reduce bacterial load and revitalise breath.
Guduchi, Trikatu, and triphala are among the herbal treatments used in systemic therapy to improve digestion. This would enhance metabolism and aid in the elimination of toxins.
Dr. Pooja Sheoran, Senior Consultant at Vaidyaacharya Hospital in Gurgaon, maintains that, as per Ayurveda, bad breath is often linked to poor gut health. So, Ayurvedic experts begin by taking a detailed history to identify the root cause. Once the digestive imbalance is addressed via comprehensive management, specialists also recommend supportive practices such as oil pulling, Gandusha (gargling) with Triphala or Mulethi decoction, and chewing green cardamom.
It is critical to acknowledge that while Ayurvedic practitioners address the issue holistically, they recommend personalised regimens. Healthy oral hygiene practices, gut health, and dietary behavioural modifications are all often included in the approach. As a result, Ayurveda places a high value on individualised, cause-based therapy; it does not offer a universal cure for any illness, including oral malodour.
Should oral malodour be managed with betel leaf water and cloves?
No, not at all. Although betel leaves and cloves have long been considered valuable for their antibacterial, antioxidant, and deodorising properties, these benefits are transient and do not offer a long-term fix.
Betel leaves, also known as paan, contain bioactive compounds such as chavicol, eugenol, and hydroxychavicol that exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatroy, antioxidant effects against certain oral bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. In a similar vein, cloves are usually preferred because they contain eugenol. It is commonly recognised that the phenolic component neutralises odour-causing compounds and prevents bacterial growth.
It is vital to understand that oral malodour is rarely a surface or superficial problem, even though the two ingredients show some modest benefits. Instead, it frequently results from underlying conditions, which include advanced gum disease, tongue coating, dry mouth, or systemic illnesses such as diabetes or hepatic dysfunction. Relying on betel leaf water with cloves for bad breath can be risky.
Is it appropriate to use online remedies for oral malodour?
Many websites promote specific herbal infusions or spices for unpleasant malodour under the guise of Ayurvedic or natural therapies. Despite the immediate benefits of such options, there is insufficient evidence to back them up. This could be explained by the fact that halitosis usually suggests more significant problems that unreliable online therapies are unable to address. Moreover, several quick fixes lack standardisation in terms of formulation, dosage, and safety. Above all, excessive or inappropriate use of these herbal ingredients may irritate oral tissues or disrupt the natural microbiome.
This is further supported by Dr. Pooja Sharma, BDS, MDS, of NIMS University in Jaipur, who explains that home remedies can occasionally be more detrimental than helpful—not because the ingredients are possibly harmful, but rather because they can provide the misleading idea that medical attention is not necessary. Cavities and gum infections are two dental conditions that require precise diagnosis and treatment because they don’t go away on their own.
If therapy is delayed, a minor problem could worsen and cause severe discomfort, swelling, or even tooth loss. It is always better to visit a dentist as soon as possible rather than waiting for the issue to get aggravated.
What is the best way to manage an oral malodour?
The management of oral malodour calls for a meticulous, evidence-based strategy. Effective control usually begins with maintaining proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular toothbrushing, interdental cleaning, and mechanical tongue scraping. This would substantially decrease both the oral bacterial loads and tongue coating.
Unpleasant breath brought on by gingival issues requires professional dental intervention. Antimicrobial mouthwashes containing zinc salts, cetylpyridinium chloride, or chlorhexidine may also be advised for these patients. It’s also critical to address systemic factors, make dietary changes, stay well hydrated, and abstain from alcohol and tobacco. Psychological or behavioural counselling may be advantageous for those who suffer from halitophobia.
Therefore, addressing oral malodour necessitates a holistic approach that aims to both restore oral ecological balance and eradicate its underlying causes.
Conclusion
Masking symptoms such as oral malodour with unverified online herbal remedies is a common practice; however, it may delay the required medical or dental intervention. Even though betel leaves and cloves can be used together as a complementary remedy, they shouldn’t be the primary therapeutic approach for the issue.
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