This is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a
"best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute
personal advice.
It is essential that you discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Please read the site terms of use.
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You probably won't find raw garlic in your dentist's surgery - but it has long had a place in lore for the treatment of toothache.
The great
Hippocrates recommended garlic as a remedy for tooth ache, although to be honest he recommended garlic
for almost everything!
Whilst some folklore talks of applying garlic externally it is unlikely that this would
provide any immediate relief. Most traditional uses of garlic to alleviate toothache
suggest crushing it (to release the allicin) and placing it inside the mouth,
next to the tooth. Sometimes
the garlic is used in conjunction with cloves or clove oil.
The reason that garlic can be effective in relieving the pain of toothache is almost
certainly the allicin - a compound with a powerful antibiotic effect that is released when garlic is crushed.
It is possible that
this could help to slow down any bacteria involved, however it is unlikely that garlic alone could
halt decay and stop further deterioration.
Remember that crushed garlic is very strong and can cause skin irritation - use with
caution.
Garlic might provide some short term relief for the pain of tooth ache, however it should
not be seen as a cure or as an alternative to expert dental treatment. Always consult a qualified
medical professional.
Garlic Central is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a
"best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute
personal advice.
Always discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Please read the site terms of use.
| 
