Denture pain has many possible causes, according to DentureHelp.com, including poor dental hygiene, poorly fitting dentures, gum and soft-tissue irritation and medical conditions such as ear and sinus infections. While severe or persistent pain requires evaluation by a dentist or other health professional, mild pain caused by temporary irritation may respond to topical application of clove oil.
History
Clove, an aromatic spice, comes from evergreen trees that grow in tropical South America and Asia. Clove oil, which is extracted from the flowers and leaves of cloves, has been used in Chinese medicine since 600 AD, according to the American Cancer Society. Historically, the oil has been used by dental practitioners to reduce pain associated with dental work and anesthetic injections. The oil is approved as a topical anesthetic by Germany's Commission E, an herbal regulatory agency.
Function
Clove oil contains eugenol, a chemical that may work as an analgesic, and the oil may have antiseptic properties that help ease pain by fighting infection and associated inflammation, according to Dr. Dan Peterson of Family Gentle Dental Care. The National Institutes of Health says that most dental applications involve applying clove directly to painful areas of the mouth, such as the gums. Undiluted clove oil can cause mouth burns and irritation, however, and the oil should be diluted with olive oil before using inside the mouth.
Benefits
In many cases, clove oil can diminish or eliminate denture pain while producing few or no side effects. Moreover, clove oil is widely available over the counter, which makes it more convenient than prescription analgesics, and the pain-relieving benefits of the oil typically last longer than those from over-the-counter products containing benzocaine. The positive effects begin rapidly, usually within seconds.
Considerations
Clove oil should not be used to treat persistent denture pain, especially when other symptoms are present. A number of underlying medical conditions can cause denture pain, including infections, dry mouth and bone abnormalities. Clove oil will not treat these underlying conditions and may mask symptoms essential to an accurate and timely diagnosis.
Warning
Swallowing large quantities of clove oil may result in eugenol oil overdose, a potentially serious medical emergency. According to Drugs.com, symptoms of overdose include shallow and rapid breathing, coughing up blood, lack of urination, blood in the urine, pain during urination, burns in the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, dizziness, seizures and unconsciousness. Overdose may also lead to liver failure, coma and death.
Member Comments