Clove Oil for Tooth Pain: Does It Work and How Can You Use It Safely?

What Causes Tooth Pain?

Let's first find out what causes your tooth to hurt so you can pick the right remedy. There are a number of reasons for toothache and each requires a different treatment.

Tooth decay

• The process of tooth decay begins when bacteria in plaque create acid which attacks the hard outer enamel of the tooth. As the damage worsens it can penetrate to the underlying softer layer and lead to sensitivity or pain.

• A cavity can be filled by a dentist. Once the decay has extended into the pulp, additional treatment might be required.

Gum disease

• Inflammation of the gums can lead to red, bleeding, tender, and uncomfortable gums around the teeth. As gum disease progresses, it can harm the tissues and bone where it occurs.

• Clove oil for tooth pain is not effective at removing plaque or curing advanced gum disease.

A fractured or broken tooth

• A crack might result in extreme pain upon biting or releasing your bite. Other symptoms may include trouble with hot or cold foods. You may not notice the crack if you view it in the mirror. 

• These are tiny flaws and not seen frequently with the naked eye. A dentist will be able to look at the tooth and decide on the correct treatment.

Dental abscess

• A dental abscess is an area of infection that forms pus. It may cause significant pain, swelling, a foul taste in the mouth or fever.

• It is a problem that needs quick dental treatment. Clove oil will not drain or cure an infection or treat an abscess directly. 

Tooth sensitivity

• Some people experience a short, sharp pain when eating ice cream, drinking cold water, or consuming hot foods. This may happen when the protective enamel wears down or the gums recede, exposing the sensitive layer beneath.

• A dentist can help identify the cause and recommend suitable treatment.

How to Use Clove Oil for Tooth Pain Safely?

Clove oil for tooth pain is a concentrated form of oil, so it can damage the tissue of your mouth. No well established and universal dose for treating toothache using household clove essential oil is known. It would be best to consult a dentist or pharmacist for a suitable product specifically made for dental use. Please note that the instructions for a dental gel do not necessarily apply to pure essential oil.

If you're thinking about using clove oil for tooth pain, you should remember the following precautions.

Check the product label

• Be sure to know the product's contents. The concentration of an essential oil, oral preparation and dental medicine can be very different.

• Never apply an "external" product to the inside of the body like your mouth.

Avoid direct applications of concentrated oil

• Clove oil, when undiluted, can burn and cause irritation, ulcers, or damage to the gums and other soft tissues.

• Don't pour in the cavity or put a cotton ball with a high concentration of oil against the gums. If this exposure is extended, the likelihood of tissue damage may increase.

Ask a professional before using it inside your mouth

• A dentist or pharmacist will be able to advise you on whether a dental preparation will be suitable for you. 

• This is particularly important if you have oral ulcers, sensitive gums, allergies or an existing oral health condition.

• Do not use clove essential oil in children for toothache without advice from a professional. Consuming the oil may be poisonous, especially for children.

Stop Using The Product When:

• Stop using a product if you feel burning, develop redness or notice sores after using a product. Gently rinse your mouth with water.

• Never apply more oil to try to decrease the pain. If the irritation persists, consult with a dentist or health care provider.

Make a dentist appointment

• If clove oil looks like it's helping, schedule to determine the cause of your tooth's pain.

• If the pain persists it may indicate that there is an issue that requires treatment. Waiting until the pain becomes severe may allow the condition to get worse.

Are there any side effects of using clove oil for tooth pain?

Clove oil for tooth pain is a natural product capable of being harmful. Clove oil is a very concentrated oil and can cause a number of issues if too much is used or applied in the wrong way.

Gums and mouth irritation.

• Concentrated clove oil can irritate or injure the gums, tongue, cheeks and soft tissue. Burning, redness, soreness or peeling may occur.

• Damage may be more likely with repeated applications.

Allergic reactions

• People can have an allergic reaction to clove oil or to one of its components. Discontinue product if there is an unusual rash, swelling, or irritation.

• If the tongue or throat swells, it is hard to breathe, or other indications of a severe allergic reaction occur, immediate medical treatment is necessary.

Inhalation of the oil causes harm and irritation in lungs and throat.

Swallowing of clove oil can be dangerous

• Some people may become seriously poisoned by essential oil of clove if it is swallowed. 

• Symptoms include stomach distress, vomiting, difficulty breathing and severe internal organ damage. Children, especially, are very sensitive. Always keep away from children and pets.

• Store bottles of essential oils where children cannot reach them. In case of ingestion, call your local poison control center or immediately get medical help. Do not try to make the person vomit.

Delayed dental treatment

• A major danger is not seeing a dentist early enough because the pain may subside for a while.

• A cavity may even continue to destroy the tooth even after the pain subsides. During the period of using a home remedy, the infection can also get worse.

• Clove oil should not be used as a substitute for treating tooth pain.

Who Should Avoid Using Clove Oil Without Medical Advice?

A few individuals should be extra cautious before using clove oil or other essential oils.

• Small children: If swallowed, it can be harmful.

• Those with irritated or damaged mouth tissue: The oil could aggravate mouth irritation or existing mouth ulcers.

• Persons with known allergies: Steer clear of products that have previously caused allergic reactions.

• Persons who are pregnant or breastfeeding: Consult a health care professional before using concentrated clove oil medicinally.

• Individuals using medications or other health care products: A pharmacist or health care professional can determine if the product is appropriate for you.

• If you don't know if a product is safe for you, don't try it in your mouth.

Home Remedies for tooth pain until you visit the dentist?

If you experience discomfort in your tooth and you are unable to obtain a same day appointment, the following simple steps can help you achieve comfort.

Gently rinse with warm salt water.

• Add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Gently rinse and spit it out.

• This can help to remove food debris and relieve the irritation in tissues. DON'T drink the water and DON'T use this technique if you are unable to safely rinse and spit.

Brush the area around the painful tooth.

• Gently brush with a soft toothbrush. If food is trapped between your teeth, carefully use dental floss.

• Avoid any sharp objects, like pressing into the sore spot or attempting to remove something that is stuck in a cavity.

Choose soft foods

• Increase consumption of foods that are easier to chew such as soft rice, curd, mashed vegetables and scrambled eggs. 

• If certain foods make the pain worse, refrain from eating them that are too hot, cold, sweet, or hard.

Chew on the other side of your mouth.

Take into account a suitable pain medication

• Some people with toothache can benefit from taking an over-the-counter painkiller. Please consult a pharmacist to determine which is right for you and follow the instructions on the package.

• Avoid putting aspirin on the tooth or gums as it can damage the tissues.

• Don't miss your dentist appointment

The following steps may provide relief, but can't be a substitute for an examination. Your dentist will advise you on the treatment if a filling, a root canal, drainage or any other treatment is needed.

When You should Visit a Dentist for Tooth Pain? 

If your tooth ache lasts, comes back or worsens, do not disregard it. If you have any of the following, please see your dentist immediately:

• Persistent toothache for more than 2 days.

• Pain that makes it difficult to eat or sleep.

• Pain when biting down.

• A toothache, or swelling or tenderness around a tooth.

• A gum boil, pus and bad taste.

• Fever and mouth pain.

• Cracked tooth or an old filling.

• If breathing or eating are difficult due to swelling, or the swelling progresses quickly into the neck or around the eye, get emergency medical attention. These can be signs of a serious infection.

When these warning signs are present, don't wait to find out if clove oil for toothache will be effective.

Can Clove Oil Cure a Cavity or Dental Infection?

Clove Oil for Tooth Pain is not a permanent solution for dental problems. Clove oil can temporarily alleviate the pain, but it cannot cure a cavity, strengthen the enamel, or remove infected teeth tissue. A dentist will look at your tooth and determine the best treatment option. An opening that is too small to be fixed with a crown or crowns can be filled with a filling material. More severe decay might require root canal or extraction therapy.

If there is a pocket that contains the infection, it may be necessary to drain the infection and treat the affected tooth. In some cases, antibiotics might be necessary, but not a substitute for dental treatment of the source.

NOTE: A home remedy can only help if it gets to the root of the problem. If pain ceases, schedule a checkup if symptoms indicate a dental issue.

How to Avoid Future Tooth Pain?

Routine oral hygiene helps reduce your chances of getting cavities and gum disease.

• Fluoride tooth brushing twice a day.

• Floss or otherwise clean between the teeth daily.

• Reduce snacking and drinking of sugary foods.

• Don't use tobacco products because they can cause oral health problems.

• Keep up regular drinking of water, particularly after eating.

• Make dental check-ups a routine and take your dentist's advice.

• Early treatment should be considered if sensitivity, gum bleeding or persistent pain occurs.

• While a good oral care routine won't solve all dental issues, it will help minimize common causes of toothache. It is important to keep in mind that clove oil for toothache is not a replacement for proper dental hygiene. Early evaluation can sometimes make the treatment of the problem easier.