Fact Check: Can a mixture of clove, cinnamon, coconut oil Stop Tooth Pain and Bad Breath in 5 Minutes?
The Instagram post claims that a mixture of clove, cinnamon, and coconut oil eliminates tooth decay, bad breath, and pain in just 5 minutes. The claim is False.
Claim
An Instagram user, ai.gharelu_tips, posted a reel that claims that a mixture of clove, cinnamon, and coconut oil eliminates tooth decay, bad breath, and pain in just 5 minutes. The reel states, "If you are troubled by tooth decay and bad breath, then you must try this powerful home remedy. Simply take cloves and cinnamon, grind them into a powder, and mix one teaspoon of clove powder, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and one teaspoon of coconut oil in a bowl. Apply this mixture to your teeth, especially where there is pain, and massage gently with your finger. After just 5 minutes, rinse your mouth with water and feel the difference—no pain, no bad breath, and no tooth decay."
The post can be accessed here.
Fact Check
The claim is False. Clove, cinnamon, and coconut oil have benefits, but they cannot eliminate tooth pain, decay, or bad breath in 5 minutes. Proper oral hygiene and professional dental care are key to maintaining healthy teeth.
What is Bad Breath or Halitosis?
Bad breath, also known medically as halitosis, is an unpleasant odour originating from the mouth, often causing anxiety and social embarrassment.
It can be a serious concern, sometimes leading to social withdrawal or stigma. As awareness of oral hygiene increases, more individuals are seeking professional guidance to effectively manage and treat this condition.
What are the causes of Bad Breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, can have many causes and needs a proper diagnosis to treat it effectively. It is mainly classified into genuine halitosis, where bad breath is real, and delusional halitosis, where a person wrongly believes they have it.
Common causes: Morning bad breath happens due to reduced saliva, bacteria buildup on the tongue, and food particles breaking down overnight.
Mouth-related causes: About 80–85% of cases come from issues inside the mouth, like gum infections, cavities, poorly fitted dentures, or dry mouth, which lead to the growth of bacteria producing foul-smelling gases.
Food and habits: Eating strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, and spicy dishes, or habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and using tobacco, can cause temporary bad breath.
Stomach-related causes: Some digestive problems, including acid reflux (GERD), ulcers, and H. pylori infection, can lead to bad breath. A study by Kinberg et al. (2010) found that over half of 94 halitosis patients had stomach-related issues.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay, medically known as dental caries, is a progressive condition that damages the hard tissues of the teeth. According to Shafer (1993), dental caries is an irreversible bacterial disease that leads to the breakdown of the tooth’s mineral content and destruction of its organic structure, often resulting in cavities.
This chronic condition is primarily caused by cariogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which adhere to the tooth surface. These bacteria feed on sugars from food, producing acids that gradually weaken and erode the enamel.
The formation of dental caries depends on four key factors: bacterial plaque, fermentable sugars, tooth structure, and time, all of which contribute to the decay process.
What is Tooth Pain or Toothache?
Tooth pain/Toothache, medically referred to as odontogenic pain, originates from the teeth or their surrounding structures, including the gums, jawbones, and periodontal membrane.
The primary causes of tooth pain include pulp inflammation due to cavities (dental caries), sensitivity to cold, sweet, or physical triggers, apical periodontitis, and dental abscesses. Additionally, discomfort after dental procedures (iatrogenic pain), teeth grinding (bruxism), and pain during treatments like root canal therapy or apicoectomy can also lead to toothache.
Health benefits of Clove
Clove, scientifically called Syzygium aromaticum, is a widely used and highly prized spice known for its role in food preservation and traditional medicine for centuries. Its numerous health benefits stem from its abundance of antioxidants and its antimicrobial, analgesic, and antiviral properties. These exceptional qualities make clove unique among spices, earning it recognition for its significant health-enhancing effects and its long-standing importance in natural medicine.
Health benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon, often referred to as the eternal tree of tropical medicine, is a widely used spice enjoyed globally in daily diets. It contains bioactive compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate, which contribute to its various health benefits. Cinnamon is valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties, along with its cardioprotective effects. Additionally, it may help reduce cholesterol levels and promote overall heart health.
Health benefits of Coconut oil
Coconut, scientifically called Cocos nucifera, is valued for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, gaining renewed interest in modern medicine. Coconut oil, a key part of many Asian diets, is made from dried coconut meat (copra) and contains 90-95% saturated fats, mainly lauric acid (47.5%), which is considered a healthier fat option. It is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, coconut oil also supports heart and liver health while offering skin and immune benefits.
Can a mixture of Clove, Cinnamon, and Coconut oil eliminate Tooth Pain, Tooth Decay and Bad Breath in 5 Minutes?
No, these natural ingredients containing love, cinnamon, and coconut oil cannot stop or eliminate tooth pain, tooth decay and bad breath. Clove, cinnamon, and coconut oil offer various health benefits, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. But, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim that these ingredients can eliminate tooth pain, tooth decay, or bad breath within 5 minutes.
Studies have mentioned the effect of clove and its constituents against dental caries. One study published in the International Journal of Dentistry found that clove oil-treated teeth exhibited reduced de-calcification and may support re-mineralization. But, the study does not claim that clove oil can eliminate tooth decay within 5 minutes, as stated in the claim.
A review article in the World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research states that chewing cloves can help reduce bad breath and tooth pain. However, the study does not claim that cloves completely eliminate these issues; rather, they provide temporary relief. Additionally, the study does not mention effectiveness within 5 minutes.
Studies have explored the effectiveness of cinnamon in addressing tooth decay, tooth pain, and bad breath. A review published in the journal Molecules highlights that cinnamon has antibacterial properties against oral pathogens linked to caries or tooth decay, helping in caries prevention and reducing bad breath. The study does not state that cinnamon can cure or eliminate bad breath or tooth decay once they have formed, nor does it claim effectiveness within 5 minutes
One more review published in the AL-AZHAR Dental Journal mentions that ancient civilizations used cinnamon to treat tooth pain and combat bad breath. However, this claim is anecdotal and lacks scientific experimental evidence. The study does not suggest that cinnamon can completely eliminate tooth pain and bad breath within 5 minutes
Coconut oil has been studied for its potential benefits in oral health. A systematic review published in Heliyon suggests that oil pulling with coconut oil may help improve oral hygiene. But, the study does not state that coconut oil can eliminate tooth pain, tooth decay, or bad breath within 5 minutes.
Studies acknowledge the role of clove, cinnamon, and coconut oil in reducing tooth decay, pain, and bad breath, but none confirm their ability—individually or combined—to completely eliminate these issues. Tooth decay is irreversible and can only be treated by removing the affected tooth structure. Likewise, tooth pain and bad breath require addressing underlying causes such as infection, sensitivity, or poor oral hygiene. Additionally, there is no consensus in the dental community supporting the notion that these ingredients can eliminate tooth decay, pain, or bad breath within 5 minutes.
Dr. Prakhar Pragya, MDS, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Consultant Orthodontics at South Delhi Region, told Medical Dialogues, "While clove, cinnamon, and coconut oil have natural benefits like reducing bacteria and soothing discomfort, they cannot magically eliminate tooth pain, decay, or bad breath in just 5 minutes. Tooth decay is permanent and needs professional dental care. Good oral hygiene, regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, along with addressing underlying issues, are the real solutions for a healthy smile."
To this Dr. Ritika Punjabi, MDS, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery(OMFS), Senior Lecturer, ITS Dental College, Muradnagar, added, "Natural remedies like cloves, cinnamon, and coconut oil can offer temporary relief, but they are not a quick fix for tooth decay, pain, or bad breath. Tooth decay doesn’t heal on its own, and bad breath often signals an underlying issue. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to brush twice daily, floss, stay hydrated, and visit your dentist regularly. There’s no shortcut to good oral health."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
While clove, cinnamon, and coconut oil have beneficial properties, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, they cannot completely eliminate tooth pain, decay, or bad breath within 5 minutes. Tooth decay is irreversible and requires professional dental treatment, while pain and bad breath are best managed by addressing their underlying causes. Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking professional care remain the most effective ways to ensure oral health.
Hence, the claim that a mixture of clove, cinnamon, and coconut oil eliminates tooth Pain, tooth decay and bad Breath in 5 Minutes is False.
