Struggling with tooth pain?
There are a few different things you can try, but let’s start with clove oil as evidence suggests it’s one of the most effective home remedies for preventing tooth disease as well as alleviating pain and hastening the healing process of some dental issues.
3 Benefits of Clove for Teeth
1. Clove Oil May Help Relieve Toothache
Clove was first referenced in the 10th century by an Arabian Dentist, Al Gazzar, as detailed by Walter Hoffmann-Axthelm in the book The History of Dentistry.
Al Gazzar highlighted the pain-relieving properties of clove oil. Today, scientific advancements have identified eugenol as the compound in clove responsible for its powerful pain-relieving ability.
Some natural-minded dentists have used clove oil diluted with coconut oil to effectively treat teething pain in infants.
Studies have even likened the analgesic properties of clove oil to the numbing effect of topically applied benzocaine.
2. Some Evidence Supports Clove for Bad Breath
According to The History of Dentistry mentioned above, the author underscores that Al Gazzar also noted the ability of clove oil to alleviate mouth odors.
Bad breath is a significant concern for most people, some of whom may not have an obvious underlying tooth disorder...at least not yet.
If you are experiencing such a predicament, using clove oil daily as part of your oral care routine can help alleviate bad breath and prevent the likelihood of developing tooth disease (of which bad breath is often the first sign).
3. Clove May Help Inhibit Bacteria in the Mouth
The oral cavity is colonized by many bacteria, most of which are considered normal and necessary as part of a healthy microbiome.
In controlled numbers, these bacteria do not cause harm. However, when their numbers increase beyond the critical physiologic limit, the amount of toxins they produce overwhelms the protective mechanisms in the mouth...and your teeth suffer as a consequence.
Studies confirm clove oil as a remedy that can help return the number of oral bacteria to normal levels.
Another advantage of clove oil is that it is effective against the most resistant forms of oral bacteria.
Some studies have also linked heart disease with the bacteria that causes periodontal disease – a certain type of dental disease. For instance, the bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, can be effectively managed by clove oil.
How To Use Clove Oil For Teeth And Gums
To get the best results with clove oil, you need to understand how to use it properly. First and foremost, it must be diluted prior to use. If it’s not, it can burn your gums.
With that said, here are a few ways to safely use clove oil for teeth and gums.
1. Oil Pull With It (Mixed With Coconut Oil Or Olive Oil)
Oil pulling with clove is a quick fix for toothaches you can do at home. Pulling with oil is an ancient Ayurvedic method for oral hygiene that involves swishing with a small amount of oil.
The overall intention of oil pulling is that the ingredients will draw toxins from the teeth, gums, and tongue, which will then be spit out.
You should mix and dilute clove oil with either coconut or olive oil. Then swish in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. This is best done on an empty stomach, so doing this first thing upon waking is ideal.
Due to clove’s natural numbing abilities, you may feel a slight tingly/numbing feeling, but that’s normal.
2. Apply Diluted Directly To Teeth And/Or Gums
Pure concentrated clove oil is quite strong and has significant numbing effects. Applying the concentrated solution may negatively affect the normal activity of your teeth, gums, and tongue.
Instead, it is important to dilute clove oil in carrier oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba.
Once the formulation is diluted, you can pour it into a bowl, soak your cotton ball into the oil, and wipe it gently around the painful area in your mouth.
Alternatively, you can place the cotton ball over the affected area. The onset of action for diluted clove oil is between 5 and 10 minutes, so give it time to work.
And since the duration of action of diluted clove oil is about 2 hours, you can reapply the diluted clove oil every 2 to 3 hours.
3. Use Whole Cloves
Using whole cloves is perhaps one of the simplest ways to utilize this remedy.
Just place a whole clove into your mouth on or near your hurting tooth. You can then bite down or grind it as you wait for the oils to get released spontaneously.
Remember, the oils within are somewhat bitter, causing a tingling sensation in the mouth. When using whole cloves, you might be tempted to spit it out – try to resist that urge.
Instead, try to hold it for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with clean water. The bitter taste often subsides within 10 minutes, but the pain-relieving effect can last for about 2 hours.
Possible Side Effects of Clove Oil
Generally, clove oil is safe when used appropriately. However, the potential for side effects shouldn’t be overlooked.
The most common side effect is irritation. This irritation is characterized by the principal signs of inflammation, including pain, redness, swelling, and a warm sensation. If you experience such side effects, it may be that you used too high of a concentration or you are sensitive to eugenol – the main active ingredient in clove oil.
If such side effects occur, stop using clove oil and seek another option.
Clove oil is a potent pain reliever and a crucial product for alleviating mouth odor. However, it should not be considered a reasonable substitute for proper dental care, especially when your symptoms are persistent and worsening.
Always seek dental treatment promptly to avoid complications that may be too costly to manage.
If you'd like a pre-formulated oil pulling solution with just the right ratios of clove and other beneficial oils, try FRESH - a vegan, organic oil for oral care.
