Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. These are distinct substances. The answer to your question depends on the type of plaque you describe. Garlic is not known to prevent accumulation of dental plaque, although El-Ghazzawy et al.
Dental plaque is composed of many substances including oral bacteria and food particles.
Sticky dental plaque can accumulate and lead to serious oral infection and gum disease. The best way to reduce dental plaque is to regularly brush and floss your teeth and schedule routine dental cleanings every six months. Garlic has been identified as a dietary cause of bad breath. A few studies suggest that garlic power may prevent or even reduce the buildup of fatty arterial plaque. Arterial plaque is composed of many substances including cholesterol and blood platelets.