Clove oil contains eugenol, a chemical that acts as an anesthetic and antibacterial agent. It may be an effective treatment for toothache or tooth pain.

Eugenol has been in use in dentistry since the 19th century. Cloves and clove oil are also traditional home remedies for toothache.

In this article, we will explore the evidence for clove oil as a treatment for toothache and whether it has any possible side effects.

We will also investigate common causes of toothache and suggest tips to prevent tooth pain in the future.

People have used clove oil for centuries to relieve tooth pain.

The most abundant compound in clove essential oil is eugenol, which comprises 70% to 90% of the oil. Eugenol acts as an:

  • anesthetic
  • antibacterial agent
  • anti-inflammatory agent
  • antifungal

In 1837, scientists discovered zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE), which dentists later began to use as a filling material. Today, dentists still use ZOE to fill root canals until the treatment is complete.

The flavor of cloves is strong, warm, and spicy.

Before using any alternative therapy, it is important to speak with a doctor or dentist.

Tooth pain can sometimes be a symptom of a dental problem that needs professional treatment. A dentist can identify the problem and recommend the best solution.

If the tooth pain is more chronic or long term, remedies such as clove oil may help. Again, though, a doctor or dentist will be able to tell a person if they can or should try it.

If someone wishes to use clove oil for toothache, they can:

  1. Perform a patch test to ensure they are not allergic to it.
  2. Dilute the essential oil into a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil.
  3. Dip a clean tissue, cotton swab, or cotton ball into the oil.
  4. Wipe it over the gums at the point of the pain.
  5. Let it sit in the mouth for a short time.
  6. Rinse the mouth out.

However, a person should not swallow the clove oil mixture.

There is some evidence that clove oil can help relieve dental pain. An older 2006 trial of 73 adults found that the use of clove oil was as effective as benzocaine, which is a topical anesthetic. Both worked significantly better than a placebo.

A 2021 review of previous studies also notes that cloves exhibit antibacterial activity against several types of bacteria that can cause gum and tooth disease, such as:

However, more large clinical trials are necessary to confirm if clove oil is a safe and effective treatment for any medical condition.

While clove oil is usually safe for occasional topical use, repeated or frequent use inside the mouth and on the gums can have side effects. This is because clove oil is toxic to human cells.

Clove oil may cause irritation or damage to the:

  • gums
  • tooth pulp
  • other soft tissues inside of the mouth

Consuming clove oil can also be dangerous — high levels are toxic to the liver and kidneys. It is possible to overdose, and children are especially vulnerable because they have smaller bodies.

Overdose of clove oil can cause:

  • agitation
  • severe low blood sugar
  • slow or shallow breathing
  • jaundice
  • decrease in consciousness
  • coma

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should not use clove oil. It is also important to keep essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.

Other remedies for toothache include:

An OTC dental gel containing a local anesthetic can also numb the pain, though this method is unsuitable for children. A person can speak with a pharmacist about child-safe medicines.

A person with tooth pain should make an appointment to speak with their dentist. Without treatment, the pain may worsen.

Most cases of toothache are due to:

Without treatment for a toothache, the tooth may develop an infection and lead to worsened pain.

To determine the cause of a toothache, the dentist will carry out a physical examination and may suggest an X-ray. The type of treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include:

  • removing a decayed area and replacing it with a filling
  • removing and replacing loose or broken fillings
  • carrying out root canal treatment on the tooth with the infection

The best way to prevent a toothache is to keep the teeth and gums healthy. Some best practices include:

  • limiting intake of sugary food and drinks
  • brushing the teeth twice a day using a fluoride-containing toothpaste
  • gently brushing the gums and tongue
  • using dental floss to clean in between teeth
  • quitting or avoiding smoking
  • having regular dental checkups