You’ve got a toothache! You must be now thinking of using clove oil to relieve toothache ache symptoms.
Clove oil is a long-used home cure as it is said that clove oil numbs the region you apply it to and reduces pain and inflammation.
But do you know? How exactly does clove oil work? How to use it? Is it even effective?
Here’s what you need to know:
Table of Contents
Clove Oil for Toothache – How Does it Work?
The active element in clove oil is eugenol, which is a natural anaesthetic. It relieves toothaches by numbing and reducing discomfort. How?
Clove oil stimulates the creation of a protein called trans receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV-1) that desensitise nerve endings near the skin’s surface.
Eugenol has anti-inflammatory effects as well. It may help to relieve swelling and itchiness in the affected area.
How to Use Clove Oil for A Toothache?
Are you making your first attempt at using clove oil for toothache? You’ll need the following items:
- Cotton swab or cotton ball
- Carrier oil (such as coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil)
- A bottle of clove oil
Now when you have gathered all the materials, you need to do the following steps:
- In a plate, combine a few drops of clove oil with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Soak your cotton ball or swab in the clove oil.
- Swipe the swab or ball around the painful area gently. Alternatively, lay the cotton ball over the affected area.
- Allow the oil to sit for 5–10 minutes before using it.
- For relief, reapply every 2 to 3 hours.
Another Option: You can also swish clove oil combined with coconut oil in your mouth for oil pulling. To avoid numbing your entire mouth, concentrate on swishing the oil on the affected area.
What the Research Says About Clove Oil? Is it Effective?
Clove oil has traditionally been used to relieve toothache when applied directly to the gums. There is evidence that the eugenol in clove oil is useful in fighting a variety of oral germs. In addition, eugenol-containing medicines are commonly used in dentistry.
Clove gel has been shown to lessen the pain of needle insertion in dentistry in some studies. There is still more work to be done.
According to another study, eugenol is more effective than another type of painkiller at reducing pain, inflammation, and infection. Participants in the trial who used the eugenol-based paste also experienced faster wound healing than those who used the alternative treatment or no treatment at all.
Another experiment compared a handmade clove gel with 20% benzocaine to a placebo. Clove gel and benzocaine were proven to greatly relieve discomfort.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States, on the other hand, has recently lowered clove oil’s categorization. According to the organisation, there is little data to show clove oil is useful for toothache, and more research is needed.
Are There Any Side Effects?
While clove oil is generally safe when applied to the skin, it can have negative consequences when used repeatedly inside the mouth and on the gums.
Damage to the following areas may occur as a result of the repeated clove oil’s use:
- Gums
- Tooth pulp
- The skin that lines the inside of the mouth
- Mucous membranes within the mouth
When clove oil is consumed or swallowed, it can cause a variety of adverse effects, including:
- Problems in breathing
- Burning in your nose and throat
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhoea
While clove oil is often regarded as a safe and effective toothache remedy, it is not extensively endorsed by medical professionals. If you have any questions about using clove oil for toothache relief, consult your dentist.
Cautions for Infants and Children
Children should not be given clove oil that has not been diluted. Children may inadvertently swallow the oil, causing serious illness.
If you wish to use this treatment on your child or infant, MAKE SURE to dilute the clove oil with a natural carrier oil. These oils dilute the potency of the oil, making it more tolerable for small children.
Alternatives for Clove Oil to Get Toothache Relief
If clove oil fails to cure toothaches or you can’t bear the taste or adverse side effects, there are alternative treatments, such as those listed below:
- Using saltwater or ice water to rinse your mouth
- Applying a drop of diluted peppermint oil to your gums
- Rubbing your gums with a wet peppermint tea bag
- Placing a cold compress against your cheek
- Taking an over-the-counter analgesic like Tylenol (acetaminophen)
You can learn more about toothache home remedies.
Final Words!
Clove oil is an excellent pain reliever for a short period of time. However, clove oil should not be used to replace regular dental care.
No amount of clove oil or other DIY dental treatment can help if your toothache is the result of other causes of toothache such as a cavity, gum recession, or dental abscess. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment if your symptoms last more than a few days and you know it’s not something transitory or discomfort is the consequence of a larger dental problem. You can make an appointment with the best dentists near you via Healthwire.pk.
