The complete rundown on using clove oil for tooth pain and oral health
Shakespeare said it best: “For there was never yet philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently.”
Indeed, Willy: there is no pain less tolerable than a toothache. Toothaches can lead to headaches, prevent you from eating, and limit your speech. Overall, from a completely scientific point of view, toothaches stink.
So how can you get relief without slathering harmful chemicals all over your teeth? The answer is simpler than you might expect: you can use clove oil for tooth pain, and expedite healing while you’re at it.
What Are the Benefits of Clove Oil for Teeth?
Clove oil has been used for centuries as a medicine, but its most popular application is on teeth. Early dentists would place a clove in the socket of a tooth that had been extracted.
Fortunately, we don’t need to shove whole plant debris into our gums today. In fact, clove oil is superior to ground cloves because it’s so highly concentrated. So what can clove oil do for teeth?
Clove Oil for Tooth Pain
Clove oil provides temporary pain relief when applied topically. If you’ve ever had inflamed, sore gums, you understand how urgent the need for pain relief feels.
Of course, if you’re in dire pain, check with your dentist as soon as possible. You may need immediate treatment for a cracked tooth or cavity.
But if you’ve already received treatment and want to take the edge off, clove oil may be the all natural numbing agent for you. Furthermore, some of us simply have sensitive teeth – and clove oil can help.
While clove oil contains many essential components, its active ingredient is eugenol. Eugenol is a natural analgesic, meaning it numbs the affected area. In fact, one study showed that clove oil is as effective as 20% benzocaine when it comes to relieving tooth pain.
In the U.S., you can find over-the-counter oral gels containing benzocaine, but 20% benzocaine gels are prescription-only. That makes clove oil an accessible and impressive alternative. Another study showed that the eugenol found in clove oil reduces inflammation.
Inflammation is often a cause of pain in toothaches. It encourages that painful throbbing feeling by adding pressure to the affected area and limiting blood flow. When you reduce inflammation, you minimize pain.
Clove Oil for Preventing Tooth Decay
Your mother may have told you one hundred times, “Those sugary drinks will rot your teeth!” Your dentist agrees.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), drinks high in sugar and acid, like sodas and fruit juices, erode your teeth and gums. This dental erosion exposes your teeth to bacteria, which turns into hard-to-remove plaque and tartar.
Overtime, bacteria can cause gingivitis, and gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Not to sound too alarmist, but almost half of Americans already have periodontitis.
Don’t fret yet! One study showed that clove oil may prevent the eroding effects of apple juice on teeth, helping to protect against tooth decay. Researchers believe that clove oil acts similarly to fluoride.
This evidence makes clove oil a popular ingredient in herbal mouthwashes. Daily use of clove oil, along with regular brushing and flossing, can help protect your smile from further decay.
You can also find the best sugar alternatives here.
Clove Oil for Oral Cleansing
While you can use clove oil for tooth pain, it also has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
A 2012 study tested the effectiveness of clove oil in killing microorganisms with promising results. Clove oil was shown to fight off the bacteria that causes staph infections.
Another study showed that eugenol alone effectively killed bacteria that causes oral thrush. Researchers here used both cultures and rats to test their hypothesis. It was effective in both.
While further research needs to be performed on humans, the results suggest what has long been believed by herbalists: that clove oil is a useful treatment for teeth.
How to Use Clove Oil for Tooth Pain
Our first recommendation is to purchase clove essential oil from a trusted supplier. Make sure you’re getting 100% pure, organic clove oil.
As with all essential oils, clove essential oil is potent. Dilute your clove oil in a carrier oil like olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil.
- Add a drop or two of clove oil to a teaspoon of your carrier oil.
- Then, swirl a q-tip in the mixture.
- Swab the affected area with the q-tip.
- Wait 5-10 minutes for the numbing agent to work.
- Rinse and spit.
- Repeat every 2-3 hours, as needed.
A word of caution: clove oil can be hard on the stomach, and may cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Always rinse and spit – do not swallow!
Recommended Oral Clove Oil Products
Whether you need temporary pain relief or a non-alcoholic, herbal mouthwash to add to your daily routine, we’ve found the best cruelty-free products containing clove oil for tooth pain, sensitivity, and cleansing.
The Dirt Oil Pulling Mouthwash
Cruelty-free, Vegan, Alcohol-free, Gluten-free, Non GMO
This product can be used as a daily mouthwash and a weekly oil pulling treatment. The Dirt used Ayurvedic principles to concoct this botanical-based rinse. Combining the power of clove oil for tooth pain with coconut oil and sesame oil to extract left over debris from the dark corners of your mouth, this detoxifying mixture is an excellent alternative to traditional, alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Dental Herb Company Tooth & Gums Tonic
Cruelty-free, Vegan, Alcohol-free, Gluten-free, Non GMO, Dentist Recommended
This tonic not only kills the harmful bacteria that causes tooth decay, it also reduces inflamed gums. Combining cloves with soothing lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, this tonic leaves your mouth feeling fresh. It also helps eliminate bad breath. Use it as a daily rinse for best results.
OraWellness HealThy Mouth Blend Oil
Cruelty-free, Vegan friendly, Fluoride-free, Gluten-free
Looking for a new toothpaste? This healthy blend of oils could be what you’re looking for. Ideal for sensitive teeth, HealThy Mouth Blend Oil remineralizes teeth by increasing saliva production and detoxifying your gums. OraWellness recommends using this blend four ways: as a toothpaste, flossing oil, mouth rinse, or direct application to your gums.
Uncle Harry’s Tooth Ache Relief Oil
Cruelty-free, Vegan, Gluten-free, Sustainable raw ingredients
Using clove oil for tooth pain has never been easier. Uncle Harry’s Tooth Ache Relief Oil is designed to be applied directly to your gums and teeth. It uses clove oil for tooth pain, and cinnamon and oregano to cleanse your gums while they heal.
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