Amazing Benefits of Clove Oil for Oral Health

Clove oil has been used in traditional dentistry for more than 5000 years!

In ancient times, people used to chew a piece of clove or insert it in the infected area. But today, we use clove oil, the essential oil obtained by distilling the dried cloves.

Did you know in 1837, eugenol and magnesium oxide were used in combination to create dental filling? Today we use a mix of zinc oxide and eugenol to create temporary dental fillings.

This miraculous healing effect of clove oil in dental care is credited to the presence of a compound called Eugenol. Studies found that eugenol is a natural anesthetic that also possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Being an anesthetic, eugenol numbs the area and reduces the pain. In addition to that, its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and irritation.

Also Read: 10 Easy Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcer

Clove Oil for toothache – Research Quotes

1. Pain Relieving Properties of Clove Oil

Several studies have examined the efficacy of clove oil for toothache. A British Study reported that clove oil is effective at reducing pain and inflammation in the gums. Another study examined the efficacy of homemade clove gel in healing toothache and they found it super effective. Studies also suggest that clove gel can reduce the pain of injection in dentistry.

2. Anti-oxidative Properties of Clove Oil

Clove oil is rich in antioxidative properties. This makes clove oil an excellent bonding agent or dental cement for dental crowns. When a dental crown is placed it can cause injury to your gums making them swollen and injured. Eugenol can help combat the swelling and reduce discomfort.

3. Super Effective in Fighting Cavities 

In addition to these studies, researchers also found that clove oil has antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria in your gums. Clove oil is also effective against fungi and that’s why it’s often used to treat athlete’s foot and oral thrush. It is also effective at inhibiting cavity-causing organisms.

4. Preventing Dental Erosion

Furthermore, studies also checked the efficacy of clove oil in treating dental erosion. Dental erosion often leads to cavities. This study found that clove oil is effective in preventing dental erosion.

5. Clove oil cannot stop the decaying

Though several studies have found clove oil to be effective in soothing pain, no study found clove oil effective in reversing dental damage or treating decays. Since clove oil acts as an analgesic, the relief is temporary. 

Research and studies are also probing the efficacy of clove oil in root canal therapy, periodontal therapy, and abscesses.

Other benefits of clove oil 

• Strengthens your immunity – Certain compounds in clove oil can help in improving the white blood cell count.
• Heals your wounds – Clove oil has antiseptic properties that help in healing cuts, wounds, infections, insect bites, and stings. 
• Can relieve your headache – Mixing a few drops of clove oil with salt and applying it on your forehead can bring instant relief to headaches.
• It’s good for your skin – The antibacterial properties of clove oil can help cure acne. It is also effective in reducing the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Mix it with a carrier oil before applying.
• A great remedy for earaches – Clove oil is also effective in treating earaches. Just mixing 3-4 drops of clove oil with 2 tsp of sesame oil works magic in relieving earache.
• It eases your stress – The soothing smell of clove oil can help reduce fatigue, mental exhaustion, anxiety, and stress.  
• It’s a great insect repellent –Clove oil is a great natural insect repellent that works on mosquitoes too!

Side Effects of Clove Oil

Clove oil is proven to be safe as well as effective when used correctly. But overuse of clove oil is found to be toxic. Also, clove oil should never be ingested as it can lead to several complications including liver damage, gastric ulcers, and kidney issues.

Excess inhalation of clove oil can trigger respiratory issues including sore throat, coughing, and shortness of breath. Clove oil should not be used on infants and kids as it can damage their developing nerve tissues inside the teeth.

Your Takeaway!

If you are suffering from a toothache then clove oil is an excellent remedy that you must try. However, remember that it is just a temporary solution for relieving your pain and that you need to visit your dentist for a permanent solution. In no way clove oil is a substitute for dental treatment. Also, the sooner you visit the dentist the better it is for your teeth as the infection tends to spread until treated!