clove oil at a glance
Medicine type
Local dental analgesic and mild antiseptic
Licensed use
Temporary relief of toothache
How it is used
Applied directly to the affected tooth cavity with a cotton bud
Important limitation
Avoid the gums and arrange dental attention as soon as possible
What is clove oil used for?
The selected licensed product is used only for temporary toothache relief.
Temporary local relief while dental care is arranged.
It is not licensed for teething and does not treat the cause of toothache.
How does clove oil work?
Eugenol, the main constituent, acts locally on pain-sensing nerves. Laboratory evidence suggests that it reduces electrical signalling through voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels. The licensed product also has mild antiseptic activity.
How to take clove oil
For dental use only. Put the solution onto a cotton bud and apply it directly to the affected tooth cavity. Avoid the gums, skin and other soft tissues, and seek dental attention as soon as possible.
Do not use for teething.
Do not use if allergic to clove oil, eugenol or Peru balsam.
Repeated gum contact may cause damage.
clove oil side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported local effects include temporary irritation, contact dermatitis, inflamed lips, and inflammation or ulceration inside the mouth.
- Sensitivity or an allergic reaction may develop.
Get urgent medical advice
- Seek urgent help for severe swelling or breathing difficulty.
- Swallowing clove oil can cause serious poisoning, including reduced consciousness, seizures, liver injury, low blood glucose and abnormal blood clotting.
clove oil in pregnancy
The licensed product is not recommended during pregnancy because adequate safety data are unavailable. Discuss toothache treatment with a dentist, pharmacist, midwife or doctor.
clove oil while breastfeeding
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, and the licensed product is not recommended. Ask a dentist, pharmacist or other healthcare professional about suitable temporary treatment.
clove oil interactions
Tell a pharmacist, dentist or prescriber about anticoagulant treatment before use.
Anticoagulants, including warfarin
Clove oil may increase inhibition of platelet activity and could increase bleeding risk.
Common questions about clove oil
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does clove oil cure toothache?
No. It may temporarily reduce pain but does not treat causes such as decay, a damaged filling or a dental abscess.
Can clove oil be used for teething?
No. Teething is a contraindication for the selected licensed product.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.