Dental pain is a common ailment that affects a large number of people throughout their lives. This pain, sometimes nagging and unbearable, often pushes us to look for quick solutions to relieve ourselves. Clove is one of the most widely known natural remedies for toothache. Many properties are lent to him, but what is it really?
The place of cloves in traditional medicine
Clove is a spice that comes from the clove tree. This tree is native to the Molucca Islands region of Indonesia. Clove is also grown in some tropical countries, such as Zanzibar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Clove is contained in the bud of the clove flower. Once dried, it obtains its recognizable brown color. Its shape and color, reminiscent of a rusty nail, are the origin of its name. Known by the Latin names Syzygium aromaticum and Eugenia caryophyllus, and used as a spice in many culinary dishes, clove has also long been used for therapeutic purposes. Indeed, the Romans and Greeks already used it to facilitate their digestion, and the Chinese before them used it to freshen their breath. The main component of cloves is the eugenol it contains. As the Dentora dental practice points out, this aromatic compound is a phenol which gives cloves its many properties:
- antiseptics (fight against microbes, viruses and fungi present in the oral cavity);
- analgesics (painkillers);
- anti-inflammatories;
- antioxidants.
The effectiveness of cloves against toothache
This spice has many properties and can therefore be used to treat minor everyday ailments. It can in particular be used to facilitate digestion. Thanks to its carminative activity, it stimulates the production of saliva and gastric juices. It is also present in cosmetics in certain creams and lotions for skin with imperfections. However, its most commonly mentioned use (aside from gastronomy) is its use in the world of dentistry. Indeed, it is commonly accepted that clove has a soothing action against toothache. This is why numerous studies have sought to find out the real effectiveness of cloves against dental pain.
In fact, by chewing a clove, it releases the essential oil it contains: eugenol. With its analgesic (painkiller) and anti-inflammatory properties, cloves will relieve dental pain. The anesthetic properties of clove have also been demonstrated in studies. This is why direct application to the painful area can provide temporary relief and reduce discomfort in cases of moderate pain. A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine also highlighted the beneficial and specific action of clove against the bacteria responsible for cavities, Streptococcus mutans. In addition, clove is used in the composition of many mouthwashes and toothpastes. It therefore helps fight against dental plaque and the appearance of cavities. Topical application of clove essential oil can also treat a canker sore. The variety of actions of clove and all of its natural properties make it an ally of oral health.
Use and precautions to take with cloves
Although clove provides many benefits and temporarily relieves moderate pain, some precautions should be taken. Indeed, it is important to emphasize that the pain-relieving action of cloves is only temporary. Clove does not cure! If you suffer from a painful dental condition, only a dentist can treat the cause and provide the necessary and appropriate care for your complete recovery. In addition, direct application of clove essential oil and chewing it can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes. This can be aggressive and irritating to sensitive mucous membranes, especially in children. As the Belgian Higher Health Council points out, clove is “hepatotoxic”, that is to say it can cause damage to the liver of people who consume it in too large quantities, in the same way than paracetamol. This is why it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before self-medicating, even if you are using “natural” remedies.
Sources
- Cloves against toothache, does it really work?Dentora dental office
- Anticariogenic potentials of clove, tobacco and bitter kolaNational Library of Medicine, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, October 2011
- Opinion of the Superior Council of Health No. 8574Higher Health Council (Belgium), January 6, 2010
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