Laung for teeth
Clove contains eugenol, which can briefly numb irritated tissue, but clove oil can burn the mouth and does not treat decay, a crack, or a dental abscess.
The short answer
Clove or clove oil may briefly reduce tooth-pain sensation through eugenol, but it cannot remove the dental cause and concentrated oil can injure oral tissues.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Eugenol is an aromatic compound in clove oil with local analgesic and antiseptic properties. Direct application of concentrated oil can irritate or burn the gums, cheek lining, or tongue, and swallowing it can cause problems.
What can you do next?
Do not place undiluted clove oil on a tooth or gum, pack a cavity with household material, or use it in place of dental treatment. Rinse gently, avoid chewing on the painful side, and use only labelled oral products as directed.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange a dental examination for toothache, especially if pain lasts, wakes you, follows a trigger, or comes with swelling, bad taste, or fever. Facial swelling or trouble breathing or swallowing is urgent.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the pain comes from decay, a cracked tooth, exposed dentin, gum disease, or an inflamed pulp. Ask what definitive treatment is needed and whether any oral pain product is suitable for you.
Frequently asked questions
Avoid undiluted oil because it can irritate or burn oral tissues. Ask a pharmacist or dentist about a labelled product instead.
Will clove cure a tooth infection?
No. It may change sensation briefly but cannot remove infected pulp or drain an abscess.
What should I do if clove oil burns my gum?