Using clove essential oil for toothache

Clove oil may numb pain briefly, but concentrated eugenol can burn oral tissue and does not treat decay or dental infection.

Clove oil contains eugenol, a compound used in some dental materials for its local soothing and analgesic properties. A toothache can arise from inflamed pulp, cracked tooth, decay, gum disease, or an abscess, and oil cannot remove those causes.

Do not pour undiluted essential oil into the mouth or hold it against the gum. Rinse gently, keep food away from the painful area, and use an appropriate over-the-counter pain medicine only as directed on its label and with advice from a pharmacist when needed.

Arrange dental care promptly for toothache that persists, wakes you, hurts on biting, or comes with swelling, bad taste, or fever. Facial swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing needs emergency assessment.

Ask whether the pain comes from the pulp, root, gum, or a crack, what tests are needed, and whether the tooth needs a filling, root canal treatment, drainage, or removal.