How to Prepare Whole Cloves for a Toothache

In addition to their use as a spice for cooking, cloves have been used to provide relief for pain and discomfort. One of the most common uses for cloves is to aid in the relief of toothache. It is always advisable to seek professional help when experiencing toothache; however, the clove remedy can be used as a temporary measure until the problem is clinically analyzed. Although clove contains eugenol, a chemical component that acts as a natural anesthetic, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has downgraded its effectiveness for toothache pain due to a lack of evidence.

Things You'll Need

• 2 or 3 cloves
• Olive oil
• Mortar and pestle
• Cotton swab

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Grind cloves finely.

  Grind two or three whole cloves into fine pieces using a mortar and pestle.

• 2

  Adding olive oil will help to form a paste.

  Add two to three drops of olive oil and continue to grind until it forms a paste.

• 3

  Having someone else apply the clove mixture may be easier.

  Using a cotton swab, apply the mixture to the affected tooth and surrounding area. It may be useful to have someone apply the paste for you.

• 4

  Reapply the mixture as necessary.

• 5

  Use the whole clove as an alternative method by placing one (whole clove) in the mouth and holding it next to the affected area for about 30 minutes. As the clove softens, begin to gently chew it to release the oils that aid in the relief of pain. Repeat as needed.