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A social media post claims that bay leaf, clove and lemon mouthwash can cure toothaches at home. We did the fact check and termed this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
According to a Pinterest post, “a homemade mouthwash made with bay leaves, cloves, lemon, and boiling water can instantly stop toothache, bleeding gums, and bad breath, and eliminate cavities.”
Fact Check
Can bay leaves treat bleeding gums and gingivitis?
Maybe. Bay leaves contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, but there’s limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in treating gingivitis or bleeding gums specifically. A 2003 study on rats suggested pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, while a 2019 review highlighted potential benefits like wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities. However, most of this evidence comes from older lab and animal studies, not human clinical trials. Although traditional medicine uses bay leaves for oral health, there’s a lack of robust clinical research. Relying solely on bay leaves for gum health could delay proper dental treatment, which may worsen the condition.
Can cloves treat bad breath, toothache, and eliminate cavities?
Partially true. Cloves contain eugenol, an anaesthetic and antiseptic, which is why clove oil has been traditionally used for toothaches. However, while cloves might offer temporary pain relief, they don’t address the underlying cause. Moreover, cloves won’t eliminate cavities—that requires professional dental treatment. They might still contribute to fresher breath due to their antimicrobial properties, but they are not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.
Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS, from Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, says, “Cloves have natural antibacterial properties, and the compound eugenol in them can provide temporary relief from toothache and help with bad breath. However, they can’t treat the underlying causes of dental problems or get rid of cavities. If you have ongoing tooth pain or bad breath, it’s important to see a dentist, as these could be signs of more serious issues that need professional treatment.”
Can lemon kill microbes in the mouth, reduce infection, and improve oral hygiene?
Partially True. Lemons contain citric acid, which has some antibacterial properties. However, lemon juice is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to increased sensitivity and other dental problems. While it might temporarily freshen breath, it’s not a safe or effective long-term solution for oral hygiene. In fact, using lemon juice directly on teeth is generally discouraged by dentists.
Dr Sanjeev Kumar, MPH, Senior Consultant (Medical), NPCCHH (MoHFW), Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi, states, “Lemon has mild antimicrobial properties due to its acidic nature, which can help reduce some bacteria in the mouth. However, its acidity can also erode tooth enamel over time, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and decay. While it may offer a temporary fresh feeling, lemon is not an effective or safe solution for reducing infections or improving oral hygiene. Good oral care includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.”
Can this mouthwash provide instant relief from toothache, bleeding gums, and bad breath?
No, that is unlikely. While some ingredients might offer temporary relief from certain symptoms, this mouthwash cannot provide instant cures. Toothaches often indicate underlying dental issues like cavities or infections, which require professional treatment. Similarly, bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, needing proper dental care. Even bad breath can have various causes, some of which this mouthwash may not address. Relying on it for serious dental problems can delay necessary treatment and potentially worsen the condition. You might want to explore science-backed remedies for bad breath. It can often be managed effectively, provided the underlying cause is properly addressed.
Dr Pooja Sharma, BDS, MDS, NIMS Jaipur, Rajasthan, explains, “Natural ingredients like cloves and lemon have some antibacterial properties, with cloves also having a numbing effect due to a compound called eugenol. They might offer short-term relief from minor issues like bad breath or mild gum irritation. However, they cannot treat the underlying causes of toothache, bleeding gums, or cavities, which are often due to infections, tooth decay, or gum disease. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious dental problems, so it’s important to seek professional dental care for proper diagnosis and treatment.”
Will using this mouthwash twice a day yield effective results?
Not really. While rinsing with a homemade mouthwash might feel refreshing, it’s unlikely to provide the same benefits as professional dental care and proper oral hygiene practices. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and visiting a dentist for check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health. This DIY mouthwash should not replace these crucial practices.
THIP Media Take
The claim that bay leaf, clove, and lemon mouthwash can cure toothaches at home is mostly false. While these ingredients have some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, the idea that it can instantly cure toothache, bleeding gums, bad breath, or cavities is overstated and potentially harmful. Relying on this remedy can delay needed dental care and worsen the problem. It’s important to consult a dentist for any oral health issues. This mouthwash might temporarily freshen breath but is no substitute for proper dental care.
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