Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) is a spice that isone of Indonesia's oldest exports that has been used for centuries for traditional medicine as well. Historically, it has also been used for culinary purposes and for manufacturing kretek (clove) cigarettes. Cloves in modern medicine, especially dentistry, is their use in pain relief. Even before the dawn of modern medicine, the people of the Nusantara (the Indonesian archipelago) were using cloves as an analgesic remedy for dental pain.
The benefits of using cloves dental pain relief is due to the ingredients bioactive compounds. Eugenol (as in all cloves) is a well-known ingredient in modern medicine as an antiseptic. Even until today, cloves are used in dentistry as an antiseptic for clove dental fillings and clove topical/local anesthetics.
Thus is this the benefits of cloves for dental and oral health. The article is going to discuss the active ingredients in cloves, their use and contraindications as well as the best cloves for home care.
Active Ingredients of Cloves
Before looking at the benefits of cloves and consuming cloves, first learn about the very valuable active compounds that make cloves a health herb.
1. Eugenol
Eugenol, a compound found in clove essential oil, has anesthetic (pain-relieving) and antibacterial properties. Therefore, eugenol is highly recommended for treating pain, infection, and swelling of the gums.
2. Flavonoid
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Flavonoids function to maintain healthy tissues in the mouth, protect the gums from inflammation, and also function to prevent the oral cavity from infection.
3. Tanin
It has astringent properties, which function to tighten tissue, stop minor bleeding that occurs in the gums, and tannins can also treat inflammation.
4. Terpenoids and Phenolic Acids
These two compounds have antimicrobial properties which function to overcome bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay.
Benefits of Cloves for Dental and Oral Health
Below are some of the benefits that cloves can support, and these benefits have been proven by existing data and have been practiced in the world of dental and oral health.
1. Overcoming Toothache Naturally
Cloves, which contain eugenol, can soothe the nerves in inflamed teeth and also provide a numbing effect. Therefore, clove oil is an alternative treatment for toothaches and has become a popular herbal remedy for toothaches.
2. Overcoming Bacteria That Cause Cavities
The bacteria most responsible for tooth decay is Streptococcus mutans. Several studies have shown that clove extract can inhibit the growth of this bacteria by up to 70-90% at various concentrations..
3. Reducing Bad Breath
Food is not the only cause of bad breath. There is also the accumulation of bacteria within the mouth. The antibacterial properties of cloves helps to remove such bacteria, making breath fresher.
4. To Alleviate Swollen and Bleeding Gums
Swollen gums infection or lack of mouth hygiene. The antioxidants and antiseptics in cloves help to alleviate the swelling, the inflammation, and the slight bleeding.
5. Helps To Prevent Dental Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is the result of bacteria and food leftovers. The antibacterials in cloves can slow the formation of such plaque, therefore, the risk of tartar and enamel decay is also reduced.
6. Prevent Infections After Tooth Extraction
Some herbal clinics use clove oil as an antiseptic after tooth extraction to help prevent in infection and speed up wound healing.
7. Used In Filling Teeth
In modern medicine, eugenol is often used together with zinc oxide as a temporary filling material due to its antiseptic properties in root canal treatment, and also other treatments.
How to use cloves for Teeth and Mouth Treatment
You can make use of cloves in the following methods:
1. Chewing directly
Take 1–2 clove, chew slowly until the oil comes out. Let the clove sit in the tooth that hurts for some minutes.
Clove Oil
The simplest way:
1. Get a cotton ball and put 1-2 drops of clove oil on it.
2. Apply it to the affected tooth or gum.
3. Do not swallow the oil.
WARNING! VERY IMPORTANT!
Clove oil is very strong and should not be used without dilution in kids.
Sweetened Clove Water
A natural and safe.
1. Boil 5-7 whole cloves in a glass of water.
2. Let it cool to a warm temperature.
3. Use it as a mouthwash once or twice a day.
Mixed With Herbal Toothpaste
Some traditional herbal toothpaste have clove as one of the ingredients for gum strengthening and breath freshening.
Is Clove Safe? Side Effects That May Occur
Clove is safe to use, but excessive use can cause:
- Gum wounds
- Burning sensation in the mouth
- Mild allergic reaction
- Mouth tissue inflammation
Not recommended for:
- Children under 5 years
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women (without doctor's guidance)
- Blood thinner users (due to eugenol interactions)
- Braces users/ certain orthodontic treatments (consult first)
Tips for Choosing Clove for Dental Health
✔ Choose pure clove oil
✔ Make sure it is registered with BPOM
✔ Does not contain alcohol or synthetic mixtures
✔ Choose quality local cloves (Ambon, Zanzibar, Minahasa)
✔ For clove powder, ensure it is a dark brown color and does not contain flour
The Advantages of Clove over Chemical Medicines
- Clove Natural Chemical Medicine
- Non-addictive May lead to addiction
- Contains natural antioxidant Doesn't have antioxidant effects
- Won't damage oral flora Antiseptic mouthwash can kill good bacteria
- Safe for the long term (if used correctly) Prolonged use can cause irritation & side effects
Conclusion
Clove is not just a kitchen spice but also an extremely effective herbal medicine for maintaining oral health. Its eugenol, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidants help:
✔ Relieve tooth pain
✔ Prevent infection and rotting of teeth
✔ Taste the breath of the mouth
✔ Reducing inflammation of the gums and plaque
✔ Overall maintain the health of the mouth tissue
No wonder cloves are still used today in modern dentistry, both as antiseptics, analgesics, and herbal filler materials.
With the correct method of use and the right dosage, cloves can be a safe, inexpensive, and effective home remedy for maintaining the health of the gums and mouth naturally.
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