by Aliyeus J

Created on: February 15, 2011

Clove oil is produced from the prickly-headed wooden stem, most commonly known as the clove bud. For many, this aromatic spice brings with it, the memory of special times during the holidays. Families would taste its spicy sweetness upon a glazed ham, or swoon in the bouquet of its soft, woody  fragrance, wavering throughout a warm, oven-heated home. But the clove bud has been used for many purposes, dating back to ancient history. Clove oil itself, has been used to treat a number of ailments, including those related to dentistry, and remains to be used as such, in today’s modern world.

Dating back as far as 220 B.C., clove oil was commonly used to freshen the breath. During the time of Renaissance, cloves managed a more hands-on approach to oral care, and began being used for its antiseptic qualities, in the treatment of preventing the spread of plaque. And Avicenna, who was the teacher of Hippocrates, also made use of clove oil, in the form of a pill, to treat rotting teeth and gums. Finally, today, dentists are still making use of this essential oil.

Eugenol is a prominent germ-killing molecule, found in clove oil. It acts to block the growth of virtually all disease-carrying bacteria, while leaving beneficial bacteria completely intact. This powerful acting agent makes clove oil perfect for use by dentists in the treatment of tooth aches, sore gums, dry socket, and more. Dentists have also used clove oil in making up the structure of some dental restorative materials. For instance, the practice of using a mixture of clove oil, and zinc oxide to prepare a white filling material for cavities is quite common among dental professionals. The filling can be used to soothe tooth pain, and replace the need for an immediate permanent filling, or possible root canal.

Fortunately, anyone can take advantage of all that is clove oil. A dental visit does not need to be reserved, as the oil may simply be purchased at most pharmacies, and some grocery stores.

Clove oil can be toxic in large amounts. And when using the oil as an oral care agent, one should lightly dab the oil with small cotton balls, and use tweezers to place the dipped cotton onto the area of the mouth where comfort is needed.

Clove oil should be diluted before application. This may be done with olive or grapeseed oil. The clove oil alone, may cause irritation to gum tissue, or area of application, where pain, and/or a burning sensation could ensue. Nerve damage can occur, as well, when undiluted clove oil is applied directly to an area of gum tissue. So, please, dilute three drops of clove oil with ¼ to ½ tablespoon of olive or grapeseed oil before applying.

Clove oil should not be used as a permanent solution to dental problems. Toothaches may occur due to gum disease that could spread when left untreated. Good oral hygiene is important, and when not practiced, health related issues could occur throughout the body, as oral infection can be linked to multiple pathways into the rest of the body system. For best results, professional dental care should be acquired immediately following the first sign of a dental complication.

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