You can treat dry socket or alveolar osteitis with clove oil (eugenol) at home. Even dentists and pharmacists recommend it.
Dry socket is a common complication after tooth extraction. It happens when the blood clot that occurs after the tooth extraction to protect the bone is partially or fully lost and the bone inside the socket is exposed.
Dry socket is a painful condition as the bone and nerve gets exposed to air, fluid and food that enter your mouth. This can cause infection.
Clove oil gives you pain relief and protects you from infection in the dry socket.
Table of Contents
- What is Dry Socket after Tooth Extraction?
- How Clove Oil Treats Dry Socket?
- How to Use Clove Oil for Dry Socket?
- Clove Oil
- Clove Oil and Honey
- Clove Oil and Turmeric
- Additional Benefits of Clove Oil
- Non Clove Oil Based Remedies for Dry Socket
- Other Tips and Precautions
It is estimated that 2-5% people may get dry sockets after the tooth extraction.
Let us begin to understand what really happens when a tooth is pulled out.
Once the tooth is completely pulled out from the root a whole is formed. Body’s protective mechanism immediately forms blood to clot in that hole.
This clotting archives two objectives, one is to stop bleeding and the other is to cover the jaw bone and nerves to get exposed. That is why the dentist will ask you to stop taking blood thinners if you are taking it a few days before the tooth extraction. Blood thinners make it difficult to clot the blood.
Dry socket generally occurs after a day or two of the tooth extraction. It causes severe pain as the bone and nerves get exposed to anything that goes to your mouth including air, fluid and food. The pain gradually increases and can radiate to your ears. You will get bad breath too.
Dentists usually prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen for pain relief. stronger drugs may be recommended for more severe pain.
Let us first understand what a doctor does after pulling your tooth out.
Doctor cleans the area with antiseptic and places a medical dressing on the extraction site. Most dressings have eugenol or clove oil in it.
Clove oil contains eugenol which is anesthetic, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory. It helps to stop bleeding, fight bacteria and relieve pain.
You can use clove oil alone or with other natural products to heal dry socket fast as under:
You can apply clove oil dressing on your dry socket as under
- Clean your mouth with saline water to remove any food debris from the tooth socket.
- Dip a qtip in clove oil
- Apply the clove oil on the qtip in the tooth socket
- Cover it with a cotton ball which fits in the tooth socket
- Remove and discard the cotton ball every 24 hours and repeat the process
Clove oil is strong and if it gives any irritation it allergic reaction then stop using it.
Honey is anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It reduces pain inflammation and discomfort of dry socket and prevents further infection.
- Clean the area with saline water to remove any debris.
- Add a drop of honey and clove oil each on a cotton ball which can fit the extracted tooth socket.
- Slide the cotton ball in the socket
- Change this dressing every 24 hours or when it gets dislodged by accident
Turmeric is also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic to relieve you from pain and inflammation of the dry socket.
- Add a drop of clove oil in a pinch of turmeric powder and mix well to make a tick paste
- Place this mix on a cotton ball that can fit in the tooth socket
- Slide the cotton ball in the socket with turmeric paste on the socket
- Replace it every 24 hours by discarding the old dressing
You should consult your dentist during the entire self help process so that your dentist can monitor your progress and intervene when required.
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- Clears dental plaque
- Helps in toothache
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Following are some of the common home remedies for dry socketies for dry socket
- Honey
- Oregano oil
- Tea tree oil
- Salt water
- Black tea bags
- Cold compress
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic
- Turmeric
Following tips and precautions will help you to prevent and deal with dry socket effectively.
- Stop smoking as harmful chemicals from tobacco prevent fast healing
- Eat soft food to avoid debris to get stuck in the extraction site
- Take ice creams as cold food helps pain relief
- Do not drink fluids with straw as excess air can cause dry socket
- Make sure your medical dressings are regularly changed.
If there is any allergic reaction in using clove oil or other home remedies then consult your dentist.
FAQs
People can use clove oil to ease the pain of dry socket by applying one or two drops to a clean gauze and placing it on the tooth extraction site. People should only use clove oil as a temporary remedy. Excessive use of eugenol can lead to necrosis, which is cell death resulting from a lack of blood supply.
How to help dry socket pain at home? ›
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Take pain medicines as prescribed.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
- Drink plenty of clear liquids. ...
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day.
- Brush your teeth gently around the dry socket area.
- Be careful with eating or drinking.
Aspirin or ibuprofen can help relieve some pain. Still, you may need a prescription medicine from your dentist or oral surgeon. If you believe the clot over your extraction site has become dislodged, call your dentist.
How to use clove oil on gums? ›
It has a strong, warm, and spicy taste. To use it for a toothache, dip a clean tissue, cotton swab, or cotton ball into the oil and wipe it over the gums at the point of the pain. People can also use whole cloves. Simply place them on the affected area for several minutes at a time.
Can you swallow clove oil? ›
Clove oil is naturally unpleasant to taste. Avoid swallowing any of it. Ingesting clove oil can lead to several side effects, including: breathing difficulties.
Can I put clove oil on a dry socket? ›
People can use clove oil to ease the pain of dry socket by applying one or two drops to a clean gauze and placing it on the tooth extraction site. People should only use clove oil as a temporary remedy. Excessive use of eugenol can lead to necrosis, which is cell death resulting from a lack of blood supply.
How to use clove oil on tooth pain? ›
Briefly dip the tissue or cotton in the clove oil so that it soaks up just a few drops. Gently wipe the oil over your gums at the point of pain. You can also use a whole clove if you don't have any clove oil handy. Place the clove on the affected area and leave it there until the pain calms down.
Do you have to dilute clove oil? ›
Make sure to always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it anywhere on the body. It is also very important to remember that only clove leaf oil should ever be used for topical application, even after diluting with a carrier oil - so make sure you're using the right type of oil before trying to apply it.
Can I put clove oil on my gums after tooth extraction? ›
You can also put vanilla extract or clove oil on the extraction site, using a cotton ball. Vanilla extract is rich in antioxidants and can numb the gum area, whereas clove oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. If the flavor of the clove oil is too strong, you may want to dilute it first with olive oil.
How do you dilute clove oil for your mouth? ›
Dilute clove oil in carrier oil, such as jojoba, coconut, or olive oil. The NAHA suggests using 15 drops of clove oil per ounce of carrier oil in order to create a 2.5 percent solution. Creams, scrubs, or lotions. Dilute clove oil in an unscented product, such as a lotion or facial cream.
According to Medline Plus, clove oil is generally considered safe for adults. However, they do note that when applied to the gums, clove oil can cause damage to the gums and tooth pulp. They do not recommend using clove oil on children or infants.
How long to leave clove oil on a tooth? ›
Add 3 to 5 drops of clove oil to 1 teaspoon of an edible neutral carrier oil like olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil. Dab a cotton ball into the diluted oil and apply it to the affected gums (not the tooth). Keep the cotton ball in place for several minutes to increase absorption.
Can I leave clove oil overnight? ›
Clove oil is applied to the hair shaft to make it feel smooth and manageable. Choose an overnight anti-frizz treatment by massaging a mixture of warm coconut oil and clove oil into your scalp and hair before going to bed for the best effects. The next morning, rinse the oils off with lukewarm water and shampoo.
How long should dry socket pain last? ›
Dry socket is a condition that can occur after tooth removal. It usually happens 3–5 days after surgery, and lasts up to 7 days. Dry socket causes intense pain because it exposes the nerves and bones in the gum. Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, can last for up to 7 days.
How long does it take for a dry socket to heal and stop hurting? ›
Dry socket typically lasts 7 days. Pain can be noticeable as early as day 3 after extraction. After tooth extraction, a blood clot usually forms at the site to heal and protect it. With dry socket, that clot either dislodges, dissolves too early, or it never formed in the first place.
What makes dry socket pain worse? ›
Intense pain happens when the underlying bone and nerves are exposed. Pain occurs in the socket and along the nerves to the side of the face. The socket becomes swollen and irritated. It may fill with bits of food, making the pain worse.
Can you put Orajel on a dry socket? ›
Place a medicated dressing in a socket – iodoform gauze with lidocaine and eugenol. Take pain medications – alternate 400mg of ibuprofen followed 6 hours later with two Tylenol extra strength and repeat 6 hours later in the same routine. Self-care – place drops of Orajel or oil of cloves directly into the socket.
