The benefits of cloves are not only used as a cooking ingredient, but are also traditionally used as a medicine for stomach ache and cough with phlegm. In addition, clove is also often used as a treatment in dealing with toothache, even since centuries ago.
One of Indonesia's original spices contains the active ingredient eugenol which functions as a natural pain reliever. Therefore, applying clove oil to a tooth that hurts might reduce the pain. At least this step can be tried as first aid until you see a dentist.
How Can Cloves Help Overcome Tooth Pain
In general, tooth decay can be caused by food debris stuck between your teeth. The remnants of food stuck in between the teeth will gradually accumulate and cause plaque on the teeth. As a result, tooth decay can occur. Usually, the initial symptoms of tooth decay are characterized by pain when consuming sweet foods, and hot or cold drinks.
Some studies reveal, clove oil contains eugenol compounds that can relieve toothache symptoms. In addition, eugenol compounds are also anti-inflammatory, so they can reduce inflammation in the teeth. Cloves also contain antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Because of this effect, one of the benefits of clove is believed to relieve the symptoms of toothache.
However, until now there is not enough medical evidence to show that cloves are effective for treating toothaches, so further studies are needed to ascertain the effectiveness of the benefits of cloves.
Clove As A Temporary Handling
If you experience toothache, try using clove oil as a temporary treatment. You do this by pouring clove oil into a small cotton swab or cotton bud, then apply to the gums and teeth that feel pain.
In addition to using cloves, you can also try a number of other ways as an initial treatment for toothache, including:
- Gargle using warm water mixed with salt.
- Besides brushing your teeth regularly, you can also clean your teeth using dental floss. This is done so that the remnants of food between the teeth can be cleaned thoroughly.
- Take painkillers, such as paracetamol.
- Cold compresses on swollen gums, cold temperatures can reduce pain and swelling.
- Antiseptic drugs containing benzocaine can be applied directly to the gums and teeth. However, avoid overdoing it. Also avoid giving antiseptic drugs containing benzocaine to children under the age of 2 years.
Even after using the benefits of clove and doing the above treatment, the gums and teeth no longer hurt, you are still recommended to check your teeth to the dentist.
What about the side effects of cloves for teeth?
Generally, the use of cloves in food or drinks is still considered safe. Likewise with the use of clove oil in treating toothache. But keep in mind, the use of clove oil that is too often on the teeth actually risks damaging the teeth and gums. Not only that, if clove oil is accidentally ingested, you can experience side effects such as:
- Pain in the nose and throat due to irritation.
- Stomach ache.
- Diarrhea.
- Difficulty breathing.
Although the benefits of cloves have been used for a long time, the efficacy of cloves in relieving toothaches still requires further research. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with your dentist first, if you want to use clove as a toothache medicine.
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