Benefits of Keeping Clove in Mouth: Oral Health Benefits, Safety, and How to Use It

For centuries, cloves have been used as a natural remedy for oral discomfort. Many people place a whole clove near a painful tooth or gently chew it because they believe it can reduce pain, freshen breath, and support healthy gums. Today, the benefits of keeping a clove in the mouth continue to attract attention, especially among people looking for simple home remedies.

The secret behind many of the benefits of keeping clove in mouth is a natural compound called eugenol. This compound has been studied for its pain-relieving, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, while cloves may provide temporary relief, they cannot cure cavities, gum disease, or dental infections.

In this article, we’ll explore the science-backed benefits of keeping a clove in your mouth, how to use cloves safely, possible side effects, and when it’s time to visit a dentist.

What Happens When You Keep a Clove in Your Mouth?

When you place a whole clove in your mouth, saliva gradually softens it and releases its natural oils. As you gently chew or hold the clove near a sensitive area, eugenol and other plant compounds are released.

Many people notice a warming or slightly numbing sensation after a few minutes. This temporary effect is one reason the benefits of keeping a clove in the mouth have been valued in traditional medicine for generations.

While these effects can be comforting, scientific research on holding a whole clove in the mouth is still limited. Most research focuses on purified clove oil or eugenol used in professional dental products.

What Is Eugenol?

Eugenol is the primary active compound found in cloves. Dentists have used it for many years in temporary fillings and dental cements because of its soothing properties.

Research published in PubMed reports that eugenol has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild anesthetic properties. These characteristics help explain some of the traditional benefits of keeping clove in the mouth, although researchers continue to study how these effects work in everyday oral care.

Benefits of Keeping Clove in Mouth

1. May Temporarily Relieve Tooth Discomfort

One of the best-known benefits of keeping clove in the mouth is temporary pain relief.

The eugenol released from the clove may create a mild numbing effect around the affected tooth or gum. This can make discomfort feel less intense for a short period.

However, it is important to understand that cloves do not treat the cause of tooth pain. Cavities, cracked teeth, infections, or abscesses still require professional dental care.

According to MedlinePlus, severe tooth pain, swelling, fever, or pain lasting longer than one or two days should be evaluated by a dentist.

2. May Help Reduce Harmful Oral Bacteria

Another potential benefits of keeping clove in mouth is its antimicrobial activity.

Laboratory studies suggest that clove compounds may help reduce the growth of certain bacteria associated with oral health problems.

Although these findings are encouraging, laboratory studies do not prove that simply holding a whole clove in your mouth will eliminate harmful bacteria or prevent cavities.

Daily brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings remain the most effective ways to maintain oral health.

3. May Freshen Breath Naturally

Strong-smelling spices like cloves can temporarily freshen breath.

Keeping a clove in your mouth releases aromatic oils that help mask unpleasant odors for a short time. This is one of the practical benefits of keeping clove in mouth, especially after meals.

However, persistent bad breath often results from plaque buildup, gum disease, dry mouth, or other medical conditions. Cloves should not replace proper oral hygiene.

4. May Soothe Minor Gum Irritation

Some people use cloves to calm mild gum discomfort.

The natural warming and numbing sensation may temporarily make irritated gums feel more comfortable.

However, swollen, bleeding, or painful gums should not be ignored. These symptoms may indicate gingivitis or periodontal disease that requires dental treatment.

5. May Increase Saliva Production

Chewing aromatic spices often stimulates saliva production.

Saliva plays an important role in oral health because it helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and keep the mouth moist.

One of the overlooked benefits of keeping clove in mouth is that increased saliva may support a healthier oral environment.

6. Provides Natural Antioxidants

Cloves are rich in plant compounds with antioxidant activity.

According to the USDA FoodData Central, cloves contain several beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals. Research also suggests cloves have one of the highest antioxidant capacities among commonly used spices.

While antioxidants support overall health, keeping a single clove in your mouth should not be viewed as a major source of antioxidants for the body.

Does Keeping Clove in the Mouth Cure Toothache?

The simple answer is no.

Although one temporary benefit of keeping a clove in the mouth is mild pain relief, cloves cannot remove tooth decay, repair damaged enamel, or eliminate infection.

The American Dental Association emphasizes that dental pain often requires professional treatment, including fillings, root canal therapy, drainage of infection, or tooth extraction when necessary.

Think of cloves as temporary comfort—not a permanent solution.

How to Use a Whole Clove Safely

If you want to experience the benefits of keeping clove in mouth, use this method carefully.

1. Rinse one whole clove with clean water.
2. Place it near the uncomfortable tooth or gum.
3. Allow it to soften naturally.
4. Gently bite it once or twice to release its oils.
5. Remove it after several minutes.
6. Discontinue use if burning or irritation develops.
7. Never sleep with a clove in your mouth.

Children should not use whole cloves because they present a choking hazard.

Whole Clove vs. Clove Oil

Whole cloves release small amounts of eugenol gradually.

Clove oil, on the other hand, is highly concentrated and much stronger.

Although both come from the same plant, clove oil can irritate or burn oral tissues if applied directly without proper dilution. MedlinePlus warns that swallowing excessive clove oil may lead to serious poisoning, particularly in children.

For most people, using a whole clove occasionally is safer than applying concentrated clove oil directly to the gums.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

Although many people experience no problems when keeping a whole clove in their mouth, side effects are possible.

These include:

• Burning sensation
• Gum irritation
• Mouth numbness
• Allergic reactions
• Choking if accidentally swallowed
• Delayed dental treatment because symptoms temporarily improve

People taking blood-thinning medications should speak with their healthcare provider before using large amounts of cloves because eugenol may affect blood clotting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their healthcare provider before regularly using concentrated herbal remedies.

When Should You Visit a Dentist?

Home remedies should never replace professional dental care.

Make an appointment if you have:

• Tooth pain lasting longer than two days
• Swelling around the gums or face
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• A cracked or broken tooth
• Bleeding that does not stop

Early treatment usually prevents more serious dental problems.

Better Ways to Maintain Oral Health

Although there are several benefits of keeping clove in mouth, good daily habits provide much greater protection.

The American Dental Association recommends:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing every day
• Drinking water regularly
• Limiting sugary foods and drinks
• Visiting the dentist for regular checkups
• Treating dental problems early

These habits reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath far more effectively than home remedies alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I keep a clove in my mouth?

Only for a few minutes. Remove it if you notice burning, irritation, or significant numbness.

Can keeping a clove in my mouth stop tooth pain?

It may temporarily reduce discomfort, but it does not treat the underlying dental problem.

Can cloves remove cavities?

No. Cavities require professional dental treatment.

Can cloves improve bad breath?

They may temporarily freshen breath because of their strong aroma, but they do not eliminate the underlying cause of chronic bad breath.

Is it safe to use cloves every day?

Using cloves once in a while is usually safe for most healthy adults, but using them too often can irritate your mouth. If problems continue, see a dentist.

Final Thoughts

Keeping a clove in your mouth can give you short-term relief from tooth pain, fresher breath, mild germ-fighting effects, more saliva, and comfort for minor gum irritation. Most of these benefits come from eugenol, the main compound in cloves.

But cloves do not cure cavities, infections, or gum disease. They should only be used as a temporary home remedy while you arrange to see a dentist.

If you use cloves carefully and in moderation, they can be a helpful traditional remedy for your oral care routine. Still, regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are the most important parts of keeping your smile healthy.

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References

1. American Dental Association. Oral Health Topics. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics
2. MedlinePlus. Toothaches. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003067.htm
3. MedlinePlus. Eugenol Oil Overdose. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002647.htm
4. National Library of Medicine (PubMed). Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): A Precious Spice. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17380552/
5. USDA FoodData Central. Cloves. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
6. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Herbal Safety. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/safety