Dos And Don'ts Of Using Cloves As A Home Remedy For A Toothache

6 December 2018
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Share

Having a toothache is one of the more uncomfortable things that someone can endure, and while some sensitivities can come and go, many toothaches only get worse over time. The best thing that you can do for a sore tooth is to see your dentist. He or she will identify the reason that the tooth is bothering you, and then do whatever it takes to address the problem. If you need to wait a few days before you can get into the clinic, you'll want to manage the pain yourself. A drug-free way of doing so is with cloves — something that you may have in your own pantry. Here are some dos and don'ts about using cloves for a toothache.

Do: Use Essential Oil

One of the best ways to benefit from the healing power of cloves is to buy a small bottle of clove essential oil. You can typically find this product at your local health food store. If it's clear to you which tooth is causing the pain, dab some of the essential oil onto a cotton swab, and transfer to the oil to the tooth and the gum that surrounds it. If you're having trouble identifying the tooth in question, mixing some clove oil into some coconut oil, and then thoroughly swishing the oils in your mouth, can be effective.

Don't: Try Chewing Cloves

If you have cloves in your pantry and are looking for quick relief, you might decide to chew one or two cloves. This can make sense in theory, as chewing the clove will release its oil and the oil is effective for dealing with the pain. The problem with this approach is that cloves have a hard surface, and chewing something as hard as a clove may result in your toothache getting worse.

Do: Make Clove Tea

If you have dried cloves handy, one way that you can use them without causing discomfort is to make clove tea. Fill a mug with hot water, and drop a few cloves into the water. Allow them to sleep for several minutes, and then sip the water once it cools down enough. Remember, hot water can often exacerbate toothaches, so you want to ensure that the water is a reasonable temperature. Drink the tea, and don't shy away from swishing it around in your mouth before you swallow.

Don't: Continue Any Method That Worsens The Pain

The right approach to using cloves to deal with a toothache can alleviate it until you're able to see your dentist, but it's important to remember that different remedies affect people differently. If you feel as though cloves aren't helping your situation, discontinue their use.