We’re back with another myth buster today. This is a question we get asked almost daily…
“Can I use Clove Oil to rinse out my mouth?” or “Can I put Clove Oil on my teeth?”
Clove Oil was traditionally used to treat toothaches, and if you’re in a lot of pain, it will definitely help to numb the area naturally. Clove Bud essential oil is a powerful analgesic, it will effectively treat pain all over the body. However, there are risks associated with the use of Clove Oil and precautions that must be taken in the event that you do choose to use it for pain relief.
Clove Essential Oil is extremely aggressive to tissue…
…and the tissue inside your mouth is the most delicate! Clove Oil has a high aldehyde content, this makes it warming & analgesic, but it also makes it potentially damaging to the skin & other tissue of the body.
If used for an extended period of time, Clove Oil (and Cinnamon) will irritate the tissue of the gums, tongue, inner cheek etc. Many of us are actually trying to rebuild and protect our gums, so Clove Oil would not be a good choice if this is your goal.
We make a tooth swishing oil specifically for protecting and regenerating the gums, it definitely does not include Clove Oil.
Clove is a powerful antimicrobial, but it’s not the only one…
Clove Oil is also a powerful antimicrobial, however there are plenty of antimicrobial essential oils that don’t come with the high aldehyde content of Clove. If it’s antibacterial action you’re looking for, we make a tooth swishing oil full of tooth & gum safe broad-spectrum antimicrobials that will combat bad breath & unwanted bacteria in the mouth.
Clove as a method of pain relief…
Clove is an excellent analgesic with a warming effect on the skin when applied topically. If you’re looking to use Clove Oil for pain relief anywhere on the body, make sure you follow these steps:
- Always dilute! Never use Clove Oil undiluted on the skin, it should be well diluted in a carrier oil at no more than .05% and apply using a Q-tip so it only goes on the affected areas.
- Skin test on a small area of skin before applying on large or sensitive areas of the body. While it’s intense for everyone’s skin, some people will have a more immediate, allergic reaction to Clove. If your skin reacts to it by getting red, itchy or inflamed, stop using it right away.
- We make products for topical pain relief (not internal use) that include clove oil along with other powerful analgesics diluted at the appropriate proportions. Our Arthritic Pain Oil and our Aches & Pains Roll-On are both great products to try for pain relief in other parts of the body.
In sum, Clove Oil is often not the best choice for reaching your oral health goals and there are superior options that do not put your delicate mouth tissue at risk. If you are in extreme pain for a short period of time, make sure you follow the tips above and always consult a healthcare professional.
We are not dentists, this article does not replace professional medical advice.
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