Cloves are a spice that you may well have stowed away somewhere in the kitchen; originally from the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, the spice itself comes from the flower buds of the clove tree. It is used to flavour food, imparting a sweet, aromatic flavour, and also one of the common spices used in the making of mulled wine. As well as this, the oil of cloves is commonly recommended as a traditional remedy for relieving toothache, amongst other conditions. So, what are the chemicals that make this use possible?
To start with, let’s consider the composition of clove oil. There are actually three types, depending on whether the oil is extracted from the buds, the leaves, or the stems of the clove tree; here, we’ll focus mainly on the bud oil. This is composed of three main compounds, as well as a myriad of minor constituents: eugenol, which accounts for around 70-85%, eugenyl acetate, which accounts for around 15%, and ß-caryophyllene, which accounts for 5-10%.
Eugenol is the major compound that allows clove oil to be used as a remedy for toothache. It has an impressively wide variety of properties: it’s an anaesthetic and antiseptic, and has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and insecticidal properties – quite the catalogue. In terms of toothache, we’re mainly concerned with the anaesthetic properties. These come about due to eugenol’s ability to affect nerves in areas to which the clove oil is applied. It inhibits the movement of sodium ions, lessening the nerves’ ability to communicate with the brain and transmit the sensation of pain.
Despite this, the FDA (US Food & Drug Administration) has stated that there isn’t currently enough evidence to rate eugenol as effective for the treatment of toothache. This isn’t to say it has no effect, and there are studies that have shown that it performs more effectively against toothache than a placebo, but that this effect has not been shown to be significant enough to be of major use.
Another odd use for cloves I came across during the research for this graphic was in a topical cream, in combination with some other ingredients, targeted at preventing premature ejacul*tion. Presumably this must also have something to do with eugenol’s effect on nerves. Slightly concerned about the spam emails & in-browser advertising I’m going to be getting after researching this effect…
Finally, the aroma of cloves is influenced by the presence of eugenol, but also by the presence of some minor compounds in the composition. One of these is methyl salicylate, an ester commonly referred to as oil of wintergreen; another is 2-heptanone, which has a fruity, spicy odour. 2-heptanone is particularly interesting; much like eugenol, it can act as an anaesthetic, and research has shown that it is also contained in the mandibles of honeybees. The compound is secreted when the honeybee bites intruders in its hive, paralysing the intruder and allowing it to be removed by the bee. This is a comparatively recent discovery, and the compound has been patented for potential use as an anaesthetic in humans in the future.
Clove oil could be the remedy you need if you can't get to your dentist right away. Cloves contain an active ingredient that numbs the nerves in your mouth, offering temporary relief. When you use clove oil for toothache pain, it's the eugenol (an ingredient within clove oil) that provides relief.
Clove is rich in phytoconstituents, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, hydrocarbons, and phenolics. Clove has been reported as a rich source of phenolics such as eugenol, flavonoids (i.e., quercetin and kaempferol), phenolic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxyphenyl propens, and gallic acid derivatives.
Allow clove oil to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before it starts working. Reapply every 2 to 3 hours for relief. Although if you need immediate relief from toothache at home and can't visit a dentist, cold compresses and anti-inflammatory medications might be very helpful.
The oil should never be applied to the gums undiluted. To use clove oil for a toothache: Add 3 to 5 drops of clove oil to 1 teaspoon of an edible neutral carrier oil like olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil. Dab a cotton ball into the diluted oil and apply it to the affected gums (not the tooth).
What is the strongest natural antibiotic for tooth infection? Clove oil is one of the strongest natural antibiotics for tooth infections. Clove oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with a tooth infection.
While clove oil is usually safe when applied to the skin, repeated use inside the mouth and on the gums can have side effects. Side effects may include damage to the: gums. tooth pulp — the central part of the tooth which is made of connective tissue and cells.
It's been shown to reduce your body's inflammatory response, which can lower your risk of health issues such as arthritis and help manage symptoms. Fewer free radicals. Cloves are full of antioxidants, including eugenol. Antioxidants help your body fight free radicals, which damage your cells.
“Most officials agree that when young people smoke cloves, they can get hooked faster because of the anesthetic, eugenol, in the cloves,” said Richard Hurt, director of the Nicotine Dependence Center at the Mayo Clinic.
Eugenol, which was first extracted from oil of cloves by Ettling in 1834, received its name from Cahours in 1858, and is widely used in dentistry for the relief of pain. Its exact pharmacological properties for the treatment received considerable attention, but have not yet been fully determined.
Adding ibuprofen to clove oil before applying it to the skin might increase how much ibuprofen gets absorbed through the skin, possibly increasing side effects.
While the two have been proven by a published study in the Journal of Dentistry to be equally effective, many people continue to use the harsher, more risky benzocaine over the all-natural clove oil.
Clove oil is a great temporary pain relief. It may be strong enough to ease pain from a sensitive tooth. However, if your pain is the result of a larger dental issue, like a cavity or broken tooth, call your dentist and schedule an appointment.
Clove oil, on the other hand, is not known to cause this kind of permanent nerve damage when used correctly. Instead, it offers a temporary reprieve from pain by numbing the sensory receptors.
Is Clove Oil Safe? According to Medline Plus, clove oil is generally considered safe for adults. However, they do note that when applied to the gums, clove oil can cause damage to the gums and tooth pulp. They do not recommend using clove oil on children or infants.
Clove works well for some while others find tea tree oil to be helpful for pain. If you have some at home, put one or two drops directly on the tooth or area where you have pain. Dropping some tea tree oil on some cotton balls and holding those balls near the tooth can bring some relief.
You can try to get rid of a toothache in 5 minutes by rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, salt water, or wheatgrass. Next, you can apply clove oil, vanilla extract, or garlic paste to the affected area. Finally, apply a cold compress or ice pack. If the pain doesn't resolve or if it's severe, talk with your dentist.
For those who choose to chew on cloves, only one piece is necessary, says Rubin. “A little goes a long way,” she says, adding that you should also avoid swallowing them whole. Try not to overdo it.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and relieve tooth nerve pain. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
“Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin or naproxen work well with dental pain because they reduce inflammation,” says Huang. Recent data has shown the combination of Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) is as effective as prescription opioids for tooth pain.
Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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