Natural Toothache Remedy

Cloves - a natural pain killer. Photo courtesy: Care2

Got a toothache and the dentist is closed? A natural, temporary remedy for pain is oil of cloves, which has antimicrobial, germicidal and antiseptic properties. It also contains the pain-killing compound eugenol which makes it very effective in relieving dental pain.

Clove oil has long been used in dentistry for a variety of pain-killing and germ-destroying purposes; and, when mixed with zinc oxide is used to create temporary fillings. Cloves found a niche in denistry as an anaesthetic before more modern drugs were available. It is so effective at relieving pain and leaving mouths clean-feeling and germ free that it is used as an ingredient in quite a number of dental products, including toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Clove oil is potent, and this is definitely a case of less is more. Undiluted clove oil can cause serious problems: burning, nerve and tissue damage, and pain. Excessive use can cause vomiting. This oil should not be ingested in large quantities nor applied to broken skin. Children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with bleeding disorders, diabetes, kidney or liver disease should not use clove oil.

To make a dental compress, mix two drops of pure clove oil with 1/4 teaspoon olive oil. Saturate a gauze pad or cotton ball with the mixture and place it beside the tooth. You can also take a wet cotton swab and a dot of oil and apply it directly to the site of infection. Be precise to avoid unpleasant sensations to the tongue. Prior to using the compress, clean area as gently and thoroughly as possible, removing any food particles. Pain relief should kick in pretty fast.

If you have a Water Pik-type device at home, put a drop or two of clove oil in the water chamber and throughly clean the affected area. Pain relief is swift.

If the toothache involves a molar, you can gently bite down on the cotton ball, leaving it there as long as possible. However, do not go to sleep with any compress in your mouth.

This remedy is for short-term pain relief. Any persistent dental pain should promptly receive the attention of a dentist.

Oil of cloves can be purchased over-the-counter at many pharmacies or at your local health food store.

Via Care2