Toothache can occur without warning and has a variety of causes, including tooth decay and gum disease. Certain essential oils can provide temporary toothache relief and other oral health benefits.
Essential oils are not a substitute for a professional dental exam. However, they may be able to relieve discomfort while you wait for an appointment.
Research on essential oils has shown that they are effective in treating toothache. In this article, we will tell you about essential oils that are used for toothache and explain why they are effective.
Essential oils are herbal compounds that are extracted from plants. Different parts of the plant can be used to obtain the oil, such as:
There are around 100 types of essential oils. Each has its own scent and unique benefits. Essential oils have been used medicinally for centuries to treat pain, infection, and inflammation.
Some have modern research that supports their effectiveness in reducing toothache. We’ll go over each of them next.
The essential oil of clove is extracted from the buds of the clove flower. This essential oil is rich in eugenol, a chemical compound with analgesic (pain reliever), anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Eugenol makes up around 90 percent of the composition of clove oil.
The analgesic properties of clove oil make it effective in reducing tooth and gum pain when applied topically. Since it also has antibacterial properties, clove oil can also be effective in reducing bacteria that can cause cavities.
One study analyzed the effects of clove oil on teeth corroded by apple juice in a laboratory setting. The researchers found that clove oil could reduce the rate of decalcification of teeth. Decalcification is a loss of calcium that can erode tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay.
The study also found that clove oil can have remineralizing effects. Remineralization strengthens tooth enamel. This protects teeth and tooth roots from the painful sensations caused by hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
How to use
- The clove essential oil can be rubbed directly on a sensitive tooth.
- If the feeling is uncomfortable, dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil.
- Try mixing 5 drops of the essential oil with 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil.
- Soak a cotton ball with the oil mixture and apply it to the painful area for 10 minutes.
- Repeat several times a day.
Lavender’s soothing scent has made it a popular choice for aromatherapy since ancient times. Its effects on toothache have not been extensively studied. However, several studies have found that lavender can decrease the perception of pain.
A small study of 30 volunteers found that inhaling lavender essential oil significantly reduced stress and pain.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of several pain-related studies found that inhalation of lavender significantly reduced pain pain in several age groups with different health conditions.
Lavender essential oil contains linalool, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This can help reduce plaque on your teeth and fight cavities.
How to use
- To use lavender for toothache, put the essential oil in a diffuser or light a lavender candle and inhale the scent.
- Try drinking lavender tea to take advantage of the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of lavender for your teeth.
Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the peppermint plant. One of its main components is menthol.
Menthol is an analgesic that helps mask the sensation of pain. It has also been shown to have a counter-irritant effect on the skin. Counter-irritants warm the skin after it has cooled down and thus alleviate the sensation of pain.
Peppermint is also beneficial for reducing the biofilm on your teeth. It can be found in tooth formulations, including toothpaste and mouthwash.
How to use
- To use peppermint for tooth or gum pain, try placing a peppermint tea bag in water and applying it directly to the painful area.
Frankincense essential oil is extracted from Boswellia tree resin. It is also known as an olibanum.
Studies show that frankincense has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is thought to reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the effects of 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme that releases leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are compounds that cause inflammation in the body.
In China, frankincense essential oil is used alongside myrrh essential oil to treat pain and inflammation.
Frankincense has been found to have antibacterial properties when used in an oral preparation that makes it beneficial for combating tooth decay and gum disease.
How to use
- Frankincense essential oil can be rubbed directly on a sensitive tooth.
- If the feeling is uncomfortable, dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil.
- Try mixing 5 drops of the essential oil with 1 teaspoon of the carrier oil.
- Soak a cotton ball with the oil mixture and apply it to the painful area for 10 minutes.
- Repeat several times a day.
Proper use of essential oils for toothache starts with buying high quality oils. Since essential oils are not regulated by the FDA, look for a well-known brand that comes from a trusted manufacturer. Read the ingredients and only buy pure oils, not those that have been pre-diluted with other ingredients.
Essential oils can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Do a patch test on your leg or arm first before applying it to a tooth or gum line to make sure it doesn’t cause a reaction.
If you find that applying an essential oil is uncomfortable, try diluting it with a carrier oil or distilled water before applying.
Make an appointment with a dentist if your pain persists or if the pain is accompanied by:
- swelling
- inflammation
- fever
- Pus oozes
Other natural remedies for toothache
In addition to using essential oils, you may want to try other home treatments for toothache. These include:
- Rinse with warm or cold salt water to disinfect the area and loosen food and dirt.
- Flushing with diluted hydrogen peroxide to relieve inflammation and pain.
- Put a cold compress on the outside of your jaw or cheek to relieve any swelling.
- Crush a clove of garlic into a paste and apply it to the sore tooth to kill bacteria and relieve pain.
- Soak a cotton ball with vanilla extract and place it on the sore tooth to numb it.
- Chew on fresh guava leaves to reduce bacteria.
- Using wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash to fight bacteria.
Many essential oils such as cloves and frankincense have benefits in reducing toothache.
Toothache essential oils can be diluted in a carrier oil or distilled water before applying to the mouth.
There is no essential oil in the place of a dentist. If you experience pain, inflammation, or swelling, make a dentist appointment for an oral exam.
