Toothache is a commonly encountered problem. Any inflammatory condition affecting the gums and tooth pulp gives rise to pain. Enamel of tooth is insensitive to pain, toothache occurs only when the enamel is eroded.
Toothache reasons
- Most common cases for toothaches are problems in the teeth or gums, such as cavities, gum disease, the emergence of wisdom teeth, a cracked tooth, infected or inflamed dental pulp, jaw disease or exposed tooth root.
- After having one or more teeth extracted, a condition known as dry socket can develop, leading to extreme pain.
The severity of a toothache can range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain, which can be chronic or sporadic. This pain can often be aggravated by chewing or by hot or cold temperatures. Severe pain may be considered a dental emergency.
Topical application of clove oil to the affected area can be a first-aid management which is well-documented as an effective remedy in Ayurvedic classics.
What is clove oil
Lavanga oil is extracted from the buds of clove.
- English name Clove
- Latin name Syzygium aromaticum (Linn.) Merr. & Perry
- Family Myrtaceae
- Parts used Flower buds
Therapeutic properties
Clove oil is analgesic, anaesthetic, antiseptic, refrigerant, digestive, carminative, stomachic, anti-spasmodic and rubefacient.
Direction to use
- Cotton swab soaked in clove oil should be kept on the affected tooth without touching the gums.
- Clove oil-soaked tissue paper can also be applied directly to the affected site of the tooth. It may be used 2 to 3 times a day.
- Gargles with one to two drops of clove oil in a cup of warm water are useful as a mouth wash for toothache and gum problems.
Precautions and warnings
- If topical application of clove oil fails to relieve the pain, take dental consultation.
- Clove oil application in deep dental cavities should be done carefully.
- Clove is toxic, its oral use in large amounts (i.e. more than 3.7 g/kg body weight) may be life threatening.