Cloves are an aromatic spice derived from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, commonly used in cooking and as a traditional home remedy for temporary relief of tooth pain and bad breath. While cloves offer documented antimicrobial benefits, they do contain compounds that can cause temporary, extrinsic discoloration on the surface of the teeth. This staining is generally manageable, but it requires understanding the underlying chemistry of the spice.
Why Cloves Can Cause Discoloration
The potential for cloves to cause discoloration stems from their specific chemical composition. Cloves contain a significant percentage of tannins, which are natural polyphenolic compounds found in many plants. These tannins act as chromogens—pigmented substances that can easily adhere to the porous surface of tooth enamel.
Tannins and other pigmented compounds bind to the protein pellicle, a thin layer of saliva proteins that naturally coats the enamel. This adhesion is enhanced when dental plaque is present, as plaque provides a rough surface for the compounds to latch onto. The main active ingredient in clove oil, eugenol, is a phenol derivative that contributes to discoloration. The resulting stain is typically a yellow-brown hue that develops with repeated or prolonged contact.
Staining Differences Based on Clove Form
The intensity of the staining risk is directly related to the form of the clove and the concentration of its active compounds. Using whole cloves, such as holding a bud against a sore tooth, presents the lowest risk of significant staining because the release of compounds is slow and localized, and contact time is often brief.
Ground cloves or clove pastes pose a higher risk due to their increased surface area and prolonged contact with the teeth and gums. The most concentrated and highest risk form is clove oil, which is mostly eugenol. When undiluted clove oil is applied directly, the high concentration of staining compounds can cause noticeable discoloration quickly.
Preventing and Removing Clove Stains
Discoloration caused by cloves is an extrinsic stain, meaning it is only on the surface of the enamel and not deep within the tooth structure. The first line of defense is to minimize the contact time of the staining agent with the teeth. After using a clove preparation, such as a rinse or paste, thoroughly swishing the mouth with water is an effective immediate step to remove residual pigments before they can bind.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the most effective long-term preventative measure. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing removes the plaque biofilm that provides the anchor point for chromogens and tannins. For surface stains that have already developed, over-the-counter whitening toothpastes containing mild abrasives can help lift the discoloration. If staining is persistent, a professional dental cleaning can remove extrinsic stains completely through scaling and polishing.