Clove oil for toothache: does it help, and what are the risks?

When you’re struck by a toothache late at night or at the weekend, it’s only natural to look for a quick fix using what you have at home. Clove oil is one of the traditional remedies for toothache, and patients often say they have tried it before seeing a dentist.

The substance responsible for its effect is eugenol, the main component of clove oil. It is said to have analgesic and antiseptic properties and is also used in dentistry, in certain dental materials, under controlled conditions.

Clove oil may provide short-term relief, but it does not resolve the underlying cause of the pain. The difference between temporarily alleviating the symptom and treating the cause is crucial.

It may provide temporary relief. Eugenol may have a local effect on discomfort, which is why some people feel that the pain is reduced after application.

However, the effect is short-lived and may vary from person to person.

It is important to remember that pain relief does not mean the tooth has been cured. Pain is a sign that there is a problem, and even if the symptom subsides temporarily, the underlying cause remains. 

No. Clove oil can only provide symptomatic relief.

It cannot:

• cure tooth decay;
• treat inflammation or infection of the dental pulp;
• treat an abscess;
• repair a crack or fracture in a tooth.

Furthermore, temporary relief may mask the progression of the problem. The pain may subside for a few hours, but the cavity, inflammation or infection may continue to progress.

Toothache can have various causes, and its intensity does not always indicate the severity of the problem. Some conditions cause severe pain from the outset, whilst others may progress over a period of time with minimal symptoms.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay progressively affects the structure of the tooth. At first, it may not cause any pain. As it approaches the dental pulp, sensitivity and subsequently pain may occur.

Inflammation of the dental pulp

When the pulp becomes inflamed, pain may occur spontaneously; it may be persistent or throbbing and may be exacerbated by cold or heat.

Depending on the diagnosis, root canal treatment may be necessary.

Dental abscess or infection

An abscess can cause severe pain, swelling and tenderness when chewing.

An assessment must be carried out promptly, as the infection may spread.

Other causes

Pain may also occur in the case of:

• a cracked tooth;
• a damaged filling;
• gum inflammation;
• dental trauma;
• problems associated with wisdom teeth.

Only a dental examination can determine the exact cause. 

Because the effect is temporary, and the cause of the pain does not go away.

Inflammation or infection may continue to progress even during periods when the patient no longer feels any pain.

Furthermore, the intensity of the symptoms does not always reflect the severity of the problem. The temporary disappearance of pain does not mean that the tooth has healed.

Yes. Clove oil is a concentrated product, and uncontrolled use may cause adverse reactions.

Risks include:

• irritation of the oral tissues;
• localised damage to the gums or oral mucosa;
• hypersensitivity reactions;
• toxicity if large quantities are swallowed.

It is therefore advisable to avoid repeated use or use in large quantities without a doctor’s advice. 

If you can’t get to the surgery straight away, the aim is to minimise any discomfort until your appointment, without aggravating the affected area.

You can:

• maintain good oral hygiene, without putting pressure on the painful area;
• avoid very cold, very hot or sweet foods if they trigger the pain;
• avoid applying irritants directly to the gums;
• use painkillers only in accordance with the recommendations and contraindications;
• book an appointment as soon as possible.

Painkillers are a temporary solution until the underlying cause is treated. 

You shouldn’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Certain symptoms indicate that you need to be assessed sooner.

It is recommended that you contact your doctor if:

• the pain is severe or persistent;
• it occurs spontaneously or wakes you up at night;
• there is swelling;
• you develop a fever or feel unwell;
• the pain occurs when chewing;
• there is discharge or an unpleasant taste;
• the pain recurs repeatedly;
• you have difficulty opening your mouth, swallowing or breathing.

If the swelling makes it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak, seek emergency medical assistance.

During the consultation, the dentist begins by assessing the symptoms: when the pain started, what triggers it, whether there is a fever or swelling, and what treatments have been tried so far.

This is followed by an examination of the tooth and the surrounding tissues. Depending on the situation, an X-ray may also be required, as well as sensitivity tests to assess the dental pulp.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. A cavity may require the removal of the affected tissue and restoration of the tooth. If the pulp is inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be recommended. An abscess requires treatment of the infection and its underlying cause, whilst a cracked tooth must be assessed to determine whether it can be restored.

If the pain is associated with a wisdom tooth or gum tissue, treatment is tailored to the clinical situation.

When the problem is diagnosed in good time, treatment can be simpler and more conservative.