Fact Check: Chewing cloves regularly improves oral hygiene? No, viral claim is misleading
The claims of chewing cloves regularly can result in improved oral health is misleading since it provides only temporary relief
By Neelambaran A Published on 20 Dec 2024 3:45 AM GMT
Claim: An Instagram video claims regularly using cloves can improve oral hygiene, improve gum care and reduce inflammation
Fact: The claim is misleading. Using cloves in any form can only provide temporary relief.
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading.
Dr Latha PMNS, a senior dental surgeon from Hyderabad said, āCloves are used for temporary pain relief since it gives a soothing effect, and it helps in bad breath as well. But it is not a substitute for proper dental care and cannot provide long-term relief.ā
āCloves possess anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of eugenol,ā Dr Latha said. Eugenol is a phenolic aromatic compound with several medicinal benefits.
As per several studies, cloves are beneficial in oral health. It gives a soothing effect on gums and helps in bad breath when used along with coconut oil. This concoction has applications in Ayurvedic medicine.
Cloves are also used for cavity prevention, reducing inflammation besides benefits due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Clove powder is also used for a variety of basic treatments in dental care.
Explaining the use of eugenol in root canal procedures, Dr Latha said that the compound forms the basic ingredient of the medicine. āEugenol, a medicine used in dental care, has clove oil as the main ingredient. For root canal treatments, eugenol is used for temporary filling but not as a permanent treatment. For permanent filling, we use glass ionomer cement (GIC),ā she said.
Diluted clove oil can be applied to certain areas for pain relief, while an overdose can be toxic. The symptoms of overdose include low blood sugar, nervous system problems and breathing problems.
