How to Relieve a Toothache with a Clove Oil Compress

A throbbing toothache is commonly caused by a bacterial infection or tooth decay or infection that penetrates to the root of your tooth. Clove oil is a potent essential oil, which has traditionally been used by dentists to relieve pain and fight infection. Today, it is a common ingredient in several over-the-counter toothache medications and a popular home remedy for toothaches.

You can get immediate relief from your toothache using a clove oil compress. Here's how:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Warm water or mouthwash
• 3 drops of clove oil
• ¼ tsp. olive oil
• 1 cotton ball

1. Rinse out your mouth with mouthwash or warm water to get rid of any sugar and food residue. Brush your unaffected teeth as well as the pain allows.

2. Make your clove oil compress: Mix 3 drops of pure clove oil with a 1/4 teaspoonful of olive oil. Soak a cotton ball with this mixture.

3. Place the clove oil compress against your aching tooth. If it is one of your back teeth, place the compress on the tooth and bite down to hold it in place.

4. Leave the clove oil compress in place for as long as possible. The throbbing pain will begin to subside.

5. See your dentist. Remember that a toothache is very often a symptom of tooth decay, infection or other dental condition, which requires your dentist's attention and care.

Tips & Warnings

• Clove oil owes its toothache-relieving properties to a powerful compound called Eugenol. Eugenol is a natural analgesic and antibacterial. It is an excellent dental pain-reliever, not only because it provides immediate temporary relief from the pain, but also because it is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory; it works to alleviate dental infection-a common cause of toothache.
• Clove essential oil is available over-the-counter at many drugstores. It may also be available in the aromatherapy section of a health food store
• You may substitute the olive oil with any other high quality vegetable oil.
• Remove the clove compress before you go to sleep, as it would then pose a chocking hazard.
• Babies and pregnant or nursing women should not ingest clove oil. It should also be avoided if you have diabetes, a liver condition or kidney disease.
• Never put undiluted clove oil in your mouth-it may irritate sensitive gums and even cause nerve and tissue damage.
• Never apply clove oil to broken skin.

[Haoie]

on 7/1/2009 Why use olive oil? To dilute?

I'll add that man, clove oil tastes nasty.