Study confirms overlooked tooth pain remedy

Clove oil, a centuries-old remedy for tooth pain, has gained new support from clinical research, though most dentists still avoid recommending it.

A 2025 systematic review in the International Journal of Dentistry examined 21 studies on plant-based pain relief in dentistry. The analysis ranked eugenol, the active compound in clove oil, as one of the most reliable natural options for dental pain. After screening nearly 1,000 records, the review assigned eugenol a moderate-certainty rating using the GRADE framework, a standard for evaluating evidence quality.

Clove oil surpassed other natural remedies

The review showed eugenol’s effectiveness across three types of dental pain. A trial with 270 patients recovering from wisdom tooth removal compared a eugenol-based paste to a standard antiseptic gel to prevent dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges.

Another study followed 100 patients undergoing pulpotomy, a procedure removing inflamed nerve tissue. A third trial tracked 92 patients with acute pulpitis, a severe toothache caused by nerve inflammation. In each case, eugenol provided measurable relief. The pulpotomy study’s authors suggested it as the preferred treatment for that procedure.

Combining eugenol with standard care in the pulpitis trial reduced pain more effectively than standard care alone. Still, the compound remains uncommon in mainstream dental practice.

Why dentists moved away from eugenol

The shift away from eugenol in modern dentistry isn’t about its effectiveness. The problem lies in compatibility. Eugenol disrupts the hardening process of resin-based fillings and adhesives, which most dental practices now use.

Zinc oxide eugenol cement still appears in temporary work and some root canal procedures, but it’s rarely used where resin bonding follows. A material can excel in comfort and antibacterial effects yet still fall out of use for reasons unrelated to patient results.

Centuries ago, cloves were so valuable they triggered conflicts between empires competing for control of tropical islands. While their pain-relieving properties were widely recognized, synthetic alternatives have since replaced them in most dental workflows.

Eugenol addresses dental pain through two mechanisms. It blocks sodium channels in nerve fibers, interrupting pain signals much like numbing agents. It also reduces inflammation by calming the inflammatory chemicals that build up around an irritated tooth. Few natural compounds tackle both nerve pain and inflammation at once, which is why some biological dentists still use clove oil despite the field’s preference for bonding-friendly synthetics.

Using clove oil for tooth pain at home

For temporary relief, place a small amount of food-grade clove oil on a cotton ball and press it against the sore tooth or gum. Avoid swallowing the oil or touching it directly with fingers. Whole cloves can also be held against the painful area to gradually release eugenol.

Use clove oil cautiously, as concentrated eugenol may irritate soft tissue with repeated contact. It works best as a short-term measure while awaiting professional care. Conditions like pulpitis or dry socket require a dentist’s attention, even if symptoms ease temporarily.