Sage has a range of therapeutic activities including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant effects. Volatile monoterpenoid is a major constituent, reported to be an effective antibacterial. Sage has been shown to have an antibacterial action against streptococcus mutans in dental plaque, in people. Streptococcus mutans, along with porphyromonas gingivalis and candida albicans, is an oral pathogen responsible for bad breath and tooth decay.