Anti inflammatory and Antibacterial properties Cloves are a popular natural remedy for toothaches
The dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, or cloves, are well-known in kitchens all over the world, and for good reason: they contain eugenol, a potent natural substance with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and local anesthetic qualities.
For millennia, people have used clove oil or held a whole clove to a sore tooth to provide quick, transient pain relief while they make dental arrangements. Clove and eugenol can reduce discomfort and combat bacteria, according to recent research and dental procedures, but they are only temporary solutions and cannot treat underlying infections or fractured teeth.
To put it simply, the science behind how cloves reduce toothache:
Eugenol, the primary active component, acts as a local anesthetic by decreasing nerve endings’ capacity to transmit pain signals (partially by interference with voltage-gated sodium channels).
Additionally, it possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help soothe inflamed or infected tissue. Eugenol has been used in dentistry for a very long time because of these qualities.
Benefits for gums and teeth:
Fast, temporary pain relief for a sore tooth or inflamed gum.
Antibacterial action that can lower bacterial load locally (helps reduce acute irritation).
Anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce swelling and soreness.
Useful as a short-term first aid measure when you can’t see a dentist immediately. (Important: it’s first aid, not definitive care.)
Ways to use cloves for toothache (safe, practical options):
Method A — Whole clove (traditional, gentle):
Chew gently on a whole clove near the sore tooth for a minute or hold an intact clove between the gum and cheek so it sits beside the painful tooth.
The natural oils released by the clove will begin to numb the area. Don’t chew aggressively (that may irritate tissue).
Spit out the clove after use. (Whole clove is mild and often well tolerated.)
Method B — Diluted clove oil on cotton (most common & fast acting):
Dilute 2–3 drops of clove essential oil into 1 teaspoon (≈5 mL) of a neutral carrier oil (olive, coconut, or sweet almond oil). (Many guides recommend 2–5 drops per teaspoon; diluting reduces the risk of irritation.)
Soak a cotton ball or a cotton swab in the diluted mix.
Gently press the soaked cotton on the painful tooth or the adjacent gum for a few minutes. Remove and rinse. Reapply every 2–3 hours if needed.
Method C — Clove oil rinse (milder, for general mouth comfort):
Mix 1–2 drops of clove oil in a cup of warm water or in a teaspoon of carrier oil then swish for 20–60 seconds and spit. Do not swallow. This is less concentrated and safer for broad mouth contact.
Method D — Clove paste (for brief topical use):
Mix a pinch of ground clove with a tiny amount of carrier oil or water to make a paste. Apply briefly to the painful spot, then rinse. (Less commonly used than oil/cotton methods.)
Step-by-step instructions:
Gather: whole cloves, clove essential oil, carrier oil (olive or coconut), cotton balls, small dish.
Patch test: put a tiny diluted drop on the inside of your wrist → wait 10–15 minutes for irritation or allergy. If redness or burning develops, do not use.
Mix: dilute 2–3 drops clove oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (or follow product leaflet).
Apply: soak a cotton ball in the diluted mix, hold gently on the sore tooth/gum for 3–10 minutes. Remove.
Rinse: spit and rinse your mouth with warm water.
Repeat: every 2–3 hours if needed, but avoid frequent prolonged use on the same spot.
See a dentist: if pain is moderate/severe, persistent beyond 24–48 hours, or accompanied by swelling, fever, pus, trouble breathing or swallowing — seek professional care immediately. Clove oil is temporary relief only.
Concluding remarks: succinct and useful
Eugenol’s numbing and antibacterial properties make cloves (and clove oil) one of the most traditional and potent home treatments for momentary toothache relief.
Clove remedies provide quick relief and can be a useful first-aid solution when used carefully—diluted, applied briefly, and mindful of the aforementioned safety concerns.
They are transient, though, and you should visit a dentist right away if you have persistent pain, swelling, fever, or infection symptoms.
Avoid swallowing clove oil, do a patch test before using it, keep it out of children’s reach, and speak with your doctor if you have liver illness, are pregnant or nursing, or take blood thinners.