Fact Check: Does a Paste of Pepper, Cloves, and Mustard Oil Relieve Toothache Faster Than a Painkiller?

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Fact Check

The claim is False. Clove, black pepper, and mustard oil may offer mild relief and antibacterial effects, but there's no scientific proof they relieve toothache faster than painkillers.

What is a toothache, and what causes it?

Toothache, in medical terms known as odontogenic pain, refers to pain that originates from the teeth or surrounding structures, including the gums, soft tissues in the mouth, upper and lower jawbone or the tooth-supporting tissues. Toothache can manifest in various forms and is most commonly caused by inflammation of the dental pulp due to tooth decay (dental caries). Other possible causes include tooth sensitivity to cold, sweet, or physical stimuli like inflammation and abscesses surrounding the tooth, pain following dental treatments (iatrogenic), teeth grinding (bruxism), or severe pain after procedures like root canal therapy.

How can a toothache be managed?

Toothache management primarily focuses on relieving pain and referring the patient to a dentist for proper assessment and treatment. Pain is typically managed using over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs. Antibiotics are given when there are signs that the infection is spreading locally or throughout the body. In cases where the infection affects the root canal system, referral for root canal treatment or tooth extraction is recommended.

How long does it take for a painkiller to work?

Painkillers have long been a common choice for quick relief from toothache, with NSAIDs typically being the preferred option. According to expert recommendations developed in collaboration with the American Dental Association and other leading dental institutions, NSAIDs are advised as the first-line treatment for acute dental pain. The guideline further states that opioids should be reserved only for cases where NSAIDs are ineffective or contraindicated.

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and ketorolac typically begin to relieve pain within 30 to 60 minutes when taken orally, and around 30 minutes when given intravenously (IV). In comparison, opioid painkillers like fentanyl act almost immediately when administered IV, while morphine IV usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes to start working.

What are the Health Benefits of black pepper, cloves and mustard oil?

Black pepper (Piper nigrum), famously known as the "King of Spices," is valued not only in cooking but also for its medicinal properties. It contains bioactive compounds like piperine, which have demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cholesterol-lowering effects. Studies highlight its potential to combat infections, ease inflammation, relieve pain, and protect nerve function.

Clove is a highly valued spice traditionally used in food preservation and natural remedies. It is rich in phenolic compounds like eugenol, eugenol acetate, and gallic acid, which contribute to its wide-ranging applications in medicine, cosmetics, food, and agriculture. Studies have shown that clove possesses stronger antioxidant and antimicrobial properties than many fruits, vegetables, and other spices.

Mustard oil is a staple in many Indian households and widely used in cooking. It contains a balanced mix of healthy fats, including monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), with saturated fats (SFA) at safe levels. Known for its various health benefits, mustard oil exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiallergic properties. It also helps protect the throat and eyes, supports body temperature regulation, strengthens red blood cell (RBC) membranes, and may aid in reducing diabetes-related risks.

Does a Paste of Pepper, Cloves, and Mustard Oil Relieve Toothache Faster Than a Painkiller?

Black pepper, clove, and mustard oil are known to offer several health benefits, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and mild pain-relieving properties. Clove, in particular, contains eugenol, which is recognized for its analgesic effects and may help provide temporary relief from mild toothache but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that the paste of crushed pepper, cloves, and mustard oil relieves toothache faster than painkiller. 

The study conducted by Sweta V R et. al. demonstrated that clove and black pepper have very good antibacterial activity against S. mutans, bacteria responsible for dental caries. But the study does not suggest that clove and black pepper relieve toothache faster than a painkiller.

Similarly, another review article published in the Indian Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biotechnology discusses the role of clove in managing toothache. The study does not provide any evidence for toothache relief faster than a painkiller.

Mustard oil and salt combination has been in use for a very long time in Indian households to prevent gum-related issues and toothache, and a review article published in the Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that inflammed gums may be managed with a paste made of turmeric, salt and mustard oil. the study does not support the idea that mustard oil can relieve a toothache, especially fatser than a painkiller.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that paste made of pepper, clove, and mustard oil relieve toothache works faster or better than standard painkiller medications. While clove contains eugenol, which may offer temporary relief from mild toothache, it must be present in pharmacologically active concentrations to have a meaningful effect. Moreover, no scientific data supports the claim that clove alone can completely relieve toothache, especially not faster than a painkiller. There is also no consensus within the dental community supporting the idea that applying these ingredients can relieve a toothache more quickly than a painkiller.

Talking to Medical Dialogues, Dr Prakhar Pragya, MDS (Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics), Consultant Orthodontist, South Delhi Region, said, Toothache caused by conditions like pulpitis or a dental abscess is usually severe and cannot be treated effectively with home remedies applied on the surface. Clove oil may have a mild numbing effect, but it can't reach the deeper tissues where the infection is. Painkillers are important for relief, but proper treatment often requires procedures like a root canal."

To this, Dr Ritika, MDS (OMFS), Senior Lecturer, ITS Dental College, Muradnagar, added, "Clove and other natural ingredients have been used in traditional remedies for years, and they may offer some short-term relief. But there’s no scientific proof that they work faster or better than proper pain medications. In fact, relying only on home remedies for a toothache can delay real treatment and allow the condition to get worse. Tooth pain is often a sign of something deeper, like infection or nerve damage, which needs professional care."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Black pepper, clove, and mustard oil are known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and mild pain-relieving properties. While clove may provide some temporary relief from mild toothache, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that a paste made from these ingredients relieves toothache faster than a painkiller. Studies highlight the antibacterial activity of clove and black pepper, particularly against oral bacteria, but do not demonstrate faster or more effective pain relief compared to standard medications. Painkillers, remain the recommended first-line treatment for acute dental pain. Hence the claim is False.