Got A Toothache? Chewing Cloves Might Be The Natural Remedy You Need (Image Credits: iStock)
Toothaches can be incredibly painful and hard to ignore. While most people turn to painkillers or visit the dentist, there’s a simple, natural solution that’s been used for centuries: cloves. This tiny spice, often found in kitchens is more than just a flavour enhancer—it can actually help relieve tooth pain and keep your mouth healthy. But how? Chewing cloves is a simple, natural remedy that can help relieve tooth pain and promote good oral health. Due to their powerful antibacterial and numbing properties, cloves can reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and provide quick relief from a toothache. Whether you choose to chew a whole clove, use clove oil, or make a paste, cloves are a safe and effective option for managing dental discomfort.
What Makes Cloves So Special?
Cloves come from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. These small, aromatic buds are packed with powerful compounds, especially eugenol, which is what makes cloves so effective for dental pain. Eugenol has natural anaesthetic and antibacterial properties, meaning it can numb the pain in your teeth and fight off harmful bacteria in your mouth.
A study published in the Journal of Dentistry found that eugenol significantly reduced pain and inflammation in people with tooth abscesses, supporting cloves' role in pain relief. Other studies have confirmed cloves' ability to fight bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for cavities and plaque buildup.
How Cloves Help with Toothaches
So, how exactly do cloves work to relieve a toothache? Here are a few ways they can help:
1. Pain Relief: Cloves have a natural numbing effect. When you chew a clove or apply clove oil to the painful area, the eugenol helps numb the area, providing instant relief from throbbing tooth pain.
2. Fight Bacteria: One of the most important ways cloves help with toothaches is by fighting the bacteria that may be causing the pain. Cloves have antimicrobial properties that help kill harmful bacteria in your mouth, reducing the chance of infection. A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies confirmed that clove oil has strong antibacterial effects, making it an effective natural remedy for oral hygiene.
3. Reduce Gum Inflammation: Toothaches are often caused by inflamed gums or infection. The anti-inflammatory properties of cloves can help calm swollen gums, which is especially useful for conditions like gingivitis or gum disease.
4. Freshen Your Breath: Along with relieving pain, cloves can also help fight bad breath. The antibacterial properties of cloves work to eliminate the bacteria that cause unpleasant odours, leaving your mouth feeling fresh.
How to Use Cloves for Toothache Relief
If you want to try cloves for toothache relief, there are a few simple ways to use them:
- Chew a Whole Clove: The most straightforward method is to chew a whole clove directly on the painful tooth. This releases the eugenol and helps numb the pain. Just be sure to chew gently and not too hard to avoid injuring your gums.
- Clove Oil: If you don’t want to chew cloves, clove oil is a great alternative. Just dip a cotton ball or cotton swab into clove oil and gently apply it to the painful area. A study in the International Journal of Dentistry found that clove oil can provide significant pain relief when applied topically.
- Clove Powder Paste: Another option is to make a paste using ground cloves and water. Apply the paste to the sore tooth or gum area and leave it for about 10-15 minutes.
Is It Safe?
Chewing cloves and using clove oil is generally safe for most people, but it’s important to use them in moderation. Too much clove oil can cause mouth irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. If you have sensitive gums or a history of allergies, it’s a good idea to test a small amount first or consult your dentist.
If your toothache persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms like swelling or fever, it’s important to see a dentist. While cloves can help with pain relief, they aren’t a substitute for professional dental care.
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