Dental Health Benefits of Cloves
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
Cloves which has the scientific name of Syzygium aromaticum are used as an element in Ayurvedic medicine. In India, it is used as a spice material to add flavor to the food items. Similarly, the ingredient is used in Chinese and African cookeries, drinks, etc.
Do you know the dental care products like toothpaste, mouthwashes also contain cloves?
It is because the aromatic flower buds (cloves) accommodate germicidal properties which are required to get relief from various dental problems. A detailed note on the dental health benefits of cloves has been given here.
1) High nutritional value
Cloves have a high nutritional value which is comprised of:
- Calories
- Fiber
- Proteins
- Calcium
- Carbohydrates
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Vitamins A, C, E and K
These compounds present in cloves are effective to abolish the fungal infections which are responsible for various dental diseases.
2) Provides relief from toothache
Clove oil – The fluid extracted from cloves are rich in a chemical compound called Eugenol. This is rich in anesthetic, antibacterial and antibacterial properties. Thus the Eugenol provides effective relief from pain in the oral regions.
Likewise, the clove oil is effective in soothing the throbbing nerves in gums and alleviate gum infections, gum diseases like Periodontitis, etc. Dentists also recommend clove oil as a natural remedy for periodontal diseases.
3) Highly efficient in killing bacteria
The antimicrobial properties and compounds present in cloves are powerful to avert the growth of microorganisms inside our mouth. Cloves have the potent to execute Escherichia coli (E.coli) which is responsible for gum diseases, peri-implantitis and other harmful oral diseases.
Dental Health Specialists recommend rinsing the mouth with clove oil every day will strengthen the gums and remove plaque build-up over the gum surfaces.
4) Protect bone health
Magnesium is the mineral which helps in bone development and enhances the bone volume. The Eugenol and manganese present in the cloves safeguard the bones. As cloves are rich in both these compounds, the spicy ingredient takes care of the bone development and feeds the required nutrients to strengthen the bone.
When you fix implant teeth, a new bone needs to be developed around the implant. This process is known as Osseointegration. Cloves are competent to aid the process of bone formation.
5) Remove the teeth stains
Cloves are the effective bleaching agents which have their effect with antioxidants to whiten the teeth. Brushing with grounded cloves or applying clove oil over the teeth removes the stains and other microbial agents adhered over the teeth.
Besides removing the stains, cloves are efficient in eliminating the sticky substances on the teeth which are responsible for cavities.
6) Reduce Inflammation
Gum and tooth inflammation is a common problem. Luckily, natural remedies like clove can aid in reducing inflammation. According to research the active compounds in cloves have a variety of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic elements that can effectively reduce inflammation caused by gum disease, toothaches, and other dental problems.
How we should use cloves for the betterment of our oral health?
Besides consuming cloves through food items and dental care products, you can take cloves in three different forms as follows:
- Chew some cloves and suck the juice extracted from them.
- Take some cloves and grind them to prepare clove powder. Apply the powder over the teeth and gums and leave it for a few minutes. When the saliva mixes with the powder and exposed to the teeth, it reduces pain in the tooth.
- Apply clove oil over the teeth and gum surfaces. It minimizes both toothache and inflammation in the gums.
Conclusion
The antioxidants, antibiotic properties, antiseptic properties along with the nutrients present in cloves are powerful to cure various health hazards as well as oral problems. Problems like skin problems, ulcers, respiratory problems and others can be treated with cloves.
Remember that clove oil is one of the affordable and effective natural remedies to treat various oral and health diseases.
