Clove oil can take the edge off a toothache, and there is reasonable evidence behind it, but it is a temporary measure rather than a fix. The active ingredient, eugenol, is a natural anaesthetic and mild antibacterial, and it makes up most of clove oil's volume. It can numb a sore tooth for a while, which buys comfort until you can see a dentist, but it does nothing about the cause of the pain.
Key takeaways
- Eugenol, which makes up roughly 70 to 90 percent of clove oil, acts as a natural local anaesthetic.
- An older clinical trial found clove-based gel comparable to benzocaine, a common topical numbing agent.
- Clove oil must be diluted with a carrier oil; used neat it can burn the gums, tongue, and cheeks.
- Relief is temporary and clove oil does not treat decay, infection, or a cracked tooth.
- Persistent toothache, swelling, or fever needs a dentist, not just a home remedy.
Does clove oil actually work?
There is genuine science here. Eugenol has documented local anaesthetic and antibacterial properties, and it is used in dentistry (for example in some temporary fillings and dressings). One often-cited 2006 trial of adults found a clove-based preparation was as effective as benzocaine for numbing before a needle. Eugenol also works quickly, often within a few minutes of contact. So clove oil is not merely folklore, though the research comparing it directly with modern treatments is limited.
What it does is dull the nerve signal from the sore area. What it does not do is remove decay, drain an infection, or repair a crack. If the underlying problem is not treated, the pain will return once the clove oil wears off, and the problem can get worse.
How to use clove oil safely
The single most important rule is to dilute it. Pure clove oil is very concentrated and can cause chemical burns and even tissue damage to the gums, tongue, and inner cheeks. A 2012 case report documented tissue death from prolonged application of clove oil to the gums, so more is not better.
- Mix a drop or two of clove oil with a teaspoon of a carrier oil such as olive oil.
- Dip a clean cotton ball or cotton bud in the mixture.
- Dab it gently onto the sore tooth and the gum right around it, not the whole mouth.
- Remove it after a short time and do not swallow the oil.
- Do not use it repeatedly over long periods, and keep it well away from children.
Clove oil is not suitable for young children, and anyone pregnant or on blood-thinning medication should check with a health professional first. A gentler first step for general soreness is a warm salt water rinse.
When a toothache needs a dentist, not a remedy
Home relief is fine for getting through a night or a weekend, but some situations need prompt care. See a dentist soon if the pain lasts more than a day or two, wakes you at night, or throbs constantly. Seek urgent care if you have facial swelling, a fever, a bad taste from a discharging gum, or difficulty swallowing, as these can signal a spreading infection. Our guides on toothache at night, toothache that comes and goes, and what to do in a dental emergency explain when to act. If an abscess is likely, read what to do about an abscessed tooth.
Frequently asked questions
How long does clove oil numb a tooth for?
Usually a short period, often up to an hour or two, and it varies between people. It can be reapplied carefully, but not continuously.
Can I put clove oil directly on my tooth?
Only diluted, and only on the affected tooth and nearby gum. Undiluted clove oil can burn soft tissue.
Is clove oil safe for children?
It is not recommended for young children. Speak to a dentist about safe pain relief for a child instead.
Will clove oil cure my toothache?
No. It only masks the pain. The cause, whether decay, infection, or a crack, still needs treating by a dentist.
What else can I do for toothache at home?
A salt water rinse, a cold compress on the outside of the cheek, and over-the-counter pain relief used as directed can help while you arrange to see a dentist.
The takeaway
Clove oil is a legitimate short-term way to ease toothache thanks to eugenol, provided you dilute it and use it carefully. It is a bridge to treatment, not a treatment. If a toothache is hanging around or getting worse, book in rather than relying on the remedy. The team at Lumi Dental can help you get seen, and current offers are on the current deals page.
This article is general information and not a substitute for personalised advice from your dentist. If you are experiencing significant pain, swelling, or fever, seek dental or medical care promptly.
