Tooth pain can strike without warning and has several causes, including cavities and gum disease. Certain essential oils can temporarily reduce toothache pain and may have other benefits for oral health as well.
Essential oils aren’t a substitute for a professional dental exam. However, they may be able to alleviate discomfort while you’re waiting for an appointment.
Research on essential oils has found them effective for managing toothaches. In this article, we’ll provide information about essential oils used for toothache pain and explain why they’re effective.
Essential oils are botanical compounds extracted from plants. Various parts of the plant may be used to obtain the oil, such as:
- fruit
- flower
- stem
- root
- leaf
There are around 100 types of essential oils. Each has its own scent and unique benefits. Essential oils have been used medicinally to treat pain, infection, and inflammation for centuries.
Several have modern-day research that backs up their effectiveness for reducing toothache pain. We’ll go over each of them next.
Clove essential oil is extracted from clove flower buds. This essential oil is high in eugenol, a chemical compound with analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Eugenol makes up around
Clove oil’s analgesic properties make it effective for reducing tooth and gum pain when applied topically. Since it also has antibacterial properties, clove oil may also be effective for reducing bacteria that can cause cavities.
One
The study also found that clove oil may have remineralizing effects. Remineralization strengthens tooth enamel. This protects teeth and tooth roots from the painful sensations triggered by hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
How to use
- Clove essential oil can be rubbed directly onto a sensitive tooth.
- If the sensation is uncomfortable, dilute it with a carrier oil, such as 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 to the painful area for 10 minutes.
- Repeat several times daily.
Lavender’s soothing scent has made it a popular choice for aromatherapy since ancient times. Its effects haven’t been studied extensively for tooth pain. However, several studies have found that lavender can reduce the perception of pain.
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Lavender essential oil contains linalool, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may make it beneficial for reducing plaque on teeth and for fighting cavities.
How to use
- To use lavender for tooth pain, place the essential oil in a diffuser or light a lavender candle and inhale the scent.
- To reap the benefits of lavender’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties for your teeth, try drinking lavender tea.
Peppermint essential oil is derived from the flowers and leaves of the peppermint plant. One of its main components is menthol.
Menthol is an analgesic, which helps mask the sensation of pain. It has also been
Peppermint is also beneficial for reducing biofilm on teeth. It can be found in dental formulations, including toothpaste and mouthwash.
How to use
- To use peppermint for tooth or gum pain, try soaking a peppermint tea bag in water and applying it directly to the painful area.
Frankincense essential oil is derived from Boswellia tree resin. It is also known as olibanum.
In
When used in an oral preparation, frankincense has been
How to use
- Frankincense essential oil can be rubbed directly onto a sensitive tooth.
- If the sensation is uncomfortable, dilute it with a carrier oil, such as 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 to the painful area for 10 minutes.
- Repeat several times daily.
Proper use of essential oils for toothache pain 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 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 your gums to make sure it won’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 doesn’t subside or if the pain is accompanied by:
- swelling
- inflammation
- fever
- oozing pus
Other natural remedies for toothache
In addition to using essential oils, you may wish to try other at-home treatments for toothache pain. These include:
- Rinsing with warm or cool salt water to disinfect the area and loosen food and debris.
- Rinsing with diluted hydrogen peroxide to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Placing a cold compress on the outside of your jaw or cheek to alleviate swelling.
- Crushing a garlic clove into a paste and applying to the painful tooth to kill bacteria and alleviate pain.
- Soaking a cotton ball with vanilla extract and placing it on the painful tooth to numb it.
- Chewing on fresh guava leaves to reduce bacteria.
- Using wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash to fight bacteria.
Many essential oils, such as clove and frankincense, have benefits for reducing toothache pain.
Essential oils for tooth pain can be diluted in a carrier oil or distilled water before applying it to your mouth.
No essential oil takes the place of a dentist’s care. If you have pain, inflammation, or swelling, make a dental appointment for an oral exam.
