February 2, 2026 | 10:55 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A Facebook post [archive] claims that roasting cloves can cure cavities. Since it was posted on December 26, 2025, the content has attracted 6,800 users, garnered more than 2,100 shares, and received dozens of comments.
The 25-second video demonstrates the process of roasting cloves and grinding them into a fine powder. The uploader then suggests that users insert the clove powder into the cavity with the help of cotton wool.
However, is it true that roasted clove powder can relieve pain caused by cavities?
FACT CHECK
Tempo verified this claim by interviewing dental experts and reviewing various credible scientific studies. The results of the investigation show that although the medical industry uses clove extract, the direct use of roasted cloves actually risks causing irritation to the teeth.
Niluh Ringga Woroprobosari, a lecturer at the Faculty of Dentistry, Sultan Agung Islamic University, Semarang, explained that cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) do contain eugenol, which has analgesic and antiseptic properties. “Pain relief never cures, but only temporarily relieves pain,” Niluh told Tempo on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Niluh emphasized the fundamental difference between medical clove extract oil and burned and then ground cloves. The use of eugenol in medical practice is carried out in a controlled manner because excessive doses can damage tissue. Conversely, inserting crushed, burned cloves into a tooth cavity actually increases the risk of irritation to the pulp—the part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels—and the tooth's supporting tissue. Crushed remains in the cavity can even potentially trigger new infections.
In line with this, a 2024 physiological study revealed the mechanism of eugenol as an analgesic agent through its effect on sodium channels and reduction of pain sensation in the trigeminal nerve. This research confirmed that eugenol only works to dampen pain signals in the nerve but is unable to permanently repair damaged tooth structure.
Relieving Pain Symptoms
Dr. Salsalia Siska Azizah from Sygma Dental Clinic, Sidoarjo, explained that there are several relatively safe ways to help relieve pain symptoms while waiting to see a dentist. First, gargle with warm salt water as a mild antiseptic.
The second step is to take pain relievers such as paracetamol or mefenamic acid according to the instructions, as long as there are no medical contraindications. "In addition, patients must maintain good oral hygiene by brushing their teeth, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash," Salsalia told Tempo.
Salsalia emphasized that the only appropriate treatment for cavities is a dental examination. If the tooth is still salvageable, the patient can undergo root canal treatment to clean and fill the root canal with a special material to eliminate infection. However, the dentist will have to extract the tooth if the condition is beyond saving.
CONCLUSION
Based on Tempo's investigation, the claim that roasted clove powder can relieve pain from cavities is misleading.
TEMPO FACT-CHECK TEAM
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