Toothache can be caused due to many reasons, from cavities to gum infections to a new wisdom tooth. While it is important to address the underlying cause of toothache at the earliest, often the unbearable pain it causes demands more immediate attention. Clove oil is a quick solution for toothache when all you want is for the pain to alleviate. But how do you use clove oil for a toothache? Is it safe if you ingest it? What if you can’t find clove oil? Let us answer these concerns so you can quickly get rid of that nagging pain that’s taking over your day.
How to Use Clove Oil for Toothache?
To understand how to use clove oil for toothache safely, we need to understand how it works. It is important to remember that the use of clove oil may not solve the underlying issue that is causing your toothache. Instead, it may work best as a palliative solution to help provide instant relief from the pain.
Knowing this makes it easier to use clove oil as an instant, accessible remedy in times of need. Here are a few simple ways of using clove oil for toothache.
Clove oil is a quick and easy fix for persistent toothache. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
- The easiest way to do this is to soak a tiny cotton ball in clove oil and hold it over the area of concern. You can pinch it between your teeth, or tuck the cotton ball near the tooth. Replace it with a fresh cotton ball if necessary.
- If you find yourself sensitive to clove oil, try diluting it with two parts of olive oil per one part of clove oil. You can also use coconut oil if available. Coconut oil is found to be effective against Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria commonly found to be responsible for tooth decay. [1]
- If you are already practicing oil pulling, adding a drop of clove oil to your regime could help you address that toothache. This is an easy way to use clove oil for toothache that is not too intense, or for when you aren’t sure about using clove oil directly. This helps you reap the benefits of oil pulling for dental health, as well as pain relief for specific issues.
- If the ache is affecting your gums as well, dip a cotton swab in clove oil and apply it over the affected area until you feel the pain start to alleviate.
- If you do not have clove oil, you can always use cloves directly. While this method is a bit more slow-acting than the oil, it is as effective. Take a single clove bud and hold it between your teeth where it is hurting. It is safe to ingest so let it sit there while you go about your day.
The least effective way is using pre-diluted clove oil or clove powder, which don’t work as quickly as most of these other options. You can easily find clove oil online or in your local stores. Moreover, if you have cloves at homes, you can make your own batch of clove oil using our easy recipe.
How does Clove Oil Reduce Toothache?
One of the primary components of cloves is eugenol, which is also a dominant compound found in clove oil as well as cinnamon and basil. It also gives cloves its central fragrance. What makes eugenol important when using clove oil for toothache is its anesthetic properties. It works in the area of pain by numbing it down. However, apart from that, clove oil also helps fight bacteria which can harm your oral health. According to a 2011 study, clove oil is a natural antibacterial agent that can offer protection against cariogenic and periodontal pathogenic bacteria. [2] [3] [4]
After testing the efficacy of clove oil against five microorganisms causing dental caries, a 2010 study concluded that clove oil is an effective solution against dental caries. While it is important to consult your dentist to resolve your dental health issues appropriately, clove oil is a safe and effective solution for immediate relief. [5]
