Garlic clove oil for toothache

Clove oil may briefly numb tooth pain, but it does not remove decay or infection, and undiluted oil can irritate mouth tissue.

Clove oil contains eugenol, a compound used in some dental materials for its local soothing effect. Toothache usually comes from inflamed pulp, exposed dentine, a cracked tooth, or infection around the root, none of which clove oil repairs.

Do not place concentrated oil against the gum or hold a whole clove beside the tooth. Rinse gently, brush around the area, follow the label for an appropriate pain medicine if you can take it, and arrange an examination to identify the cause.

Arrange prompt care for pain that persists, wakes you, or returns after temporary relief. Seek urgent dental assessment for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or swelling near the eye.

Ask whether the pain comes from decay, a cracked tooth, inflamed pulp, or an abscess, and whether you need a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or removal of the tooth. Ask how to protect the gum while waiting.