Lavanga oil for toothache

Toothache is a commonly encountered problem. Any inflammatory condition affecting the gums and tooth pulp gives rise to pain. Enamel of tooth is insensitive to pain, toothache occurs only when the enamel is eroded. In most cases toothaches are caused by problems in the teeth or gums, such as cavities, gum disease, the emergence of wisdom teeth, a cracked tooth, infected or inflamed dental pulp, jaw disease or exposed tooth root. After having one or more teeth extracted, a condition known as dry socket can develop, leading to extreme pain. The severity of a toothache can range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain, which can be chronic or sporadic. This pain can often be aggravated by chewing or by hot or cold temperatures. Severe pain may be considered a dental emergency.

Treatment by Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum Linn.) : Lavanga is the dried flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum, a tree cultivated in many parts of the world and also to a considerable extent in South India.

Composition : Lavanga oil is extracted from the buds of clove.

Main chemical constituents : Eugenol, eugenol acetate and caryophyllene

Method of preparation : Clove oil is usually available in grocery and medical shops. It is prepared by water distillation of clove buds containing the desired percentage of eugenol.

Dosage form : Clove oil has a warm, strong, spicy smell and the oil is colourless to pale yellow with a medium to watery viscosity.

Therapeutic properties : Clove oil is analgesic, anaesthetic, antiseptic, refrigerant, digestive, carminative, stomachic, anti-spasmodic and rubefacient.

Dose and mode of use : (1) Cotton swab soaked in clove oil should be kept on the affected tooth without touching the gums.

(2) Clove oil-soaked tissue paper can also be applied directly to the affected site of the tooth. It may be used 2 to 3 times a day.

(3) Gargles with one to two drops of clove oil in a cup of warm water are useful as a mouth wash for toothache and gum

problems.

Indications and uses : Clove oil is useful in toothache, halitosis, cephalalgia, dental caries, and painful condition after tooth extraction.

Precautions and safety aspects : 

(1) Clove oil is irritant and pungent. Therefore, it is advised to prevent the oil from touching the tongue and gums.

(2) If topical application of clove oil fails to relieve the pain, take dental consultation.

(3) Clove oil application in deep dental cavities should be done carefully.

(4) Clove is toxic, its oral use in large amounts (i.e. more than 3.7 g/kg body weight) may be life threatening.

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