If you have ever reached for a clove after a garlicky lunch, you are following a habit that stretches back centuries. Chewing cloves for bad breath is one of the oldest home remedies around, and modern research is starting to explain why the habit stuck. But does it actually treat bad breath, or does it just mask it for an hour? Here is what the evidence supports, and where it runs out.
What causes bad breath in the first place
Halitosis is mostly a bacterial problem. Anaerobic bacteria living on the back of the tongue, in periodontal pockets, and in the throat break down proteins from food debris, saliva, and dead cells, releasing volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) such as hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan.¹ Poor oral hygiene, a dry mouth with reduced saliva flow, and trapped food debris all feed this process, because saliva is the mouth’s natural rinsing and buffering mechanism.¹ Other contributors include tooth decay, gum disease, plaque build-up on the tongue, and in some cases systemic conditions such as diabetes or gastrointestinal problems.¹
Why chewing cloves for bad breath works
The active ingredient behind clove’s reputation is eugenol, the main compound in clove bud oil, where it typically makes up around 70 to 80 percent of the oil.³ Eugenol has documented antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and mild anaesthetic properties. Clove has been used in dentistry for decades, most notably combined with zinc oxide as a temporary filling material.⁴
For bad breath specifically, it works in two ways. First, it has antibacterial activity against the anaerobic bacteria that produce VSCs. In laboratory testing, clove bud oil was highly effective against Solobacterium moorei, one of the bacteria most closely linked to bad breath,¹ and it also acts against the cariogenic and periodontal bacteria behind plaque and gum disease.² This means it can reduce the bacterial load causing the odour rather than simply covering it up.² Second, cloves carry a strong, pleasant aroma that temporarily masks existing odour while the antibacterial effect takes hold.¹ This is why clove and other aromatic oils have long been added to oral care products aimed at freshening breath.¹
Chewing cloves for bad breath: what the research shows
It is worth being precise. Most of the evidence comes from laboratory and in vitro studies on eugenol and clove oil, rather than large clinical trials measuring breath-odour scores in people who chew whole cloves.² These studies consistently show that eugenol and clove oil disrupt the cell membranes of oral bacteria and inhibit the species linked to plaque, gum disease, and malodour.²ˑ³ Even so, researchers are clear that clinical trials in people are still needed to confirm how well clove works in practice and at what dose, which is why it has not been validated as a stand-alone cure for chronic halitosis.¹
In plain terms: chewing cloves is a reasonable, low-risk way to reduce bacterial load and freshen breath temporarily, but it is a supporting measure, not a treatment.
How to use cloves safely
- Whole cloves: chew one or two slowly, let the released oil coat the mouth, then discard. This is the traditional method and carries less irritation risk than concentrated oil.
- Clove oil rinses: always dilute clove oil first. Undiluted eugenol can irritate the gums and oral lining.
- Frequency: occasional use after meals is generally well tolerated. Cloves have a mild numbing effect on the mouth, so avoid overuse, especially with existing mouth sores or sensitive gums.³
What chewing cloves cannot fix
This is the part that matters most. Cloves can reduce bacterial activity and mask odour, but they do not treat the underlying causes of persistent bad breath, such as:
- Untreated cavities or infected teeth
- Gum disease and periodontal pockets, where bacteria live below the gumline out of reach of chewing or rinsing
- Chronic dry mouth from medication, dehydration, or other causes
- Tonsil stones or postnasal drip
- Systemic conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes or gastrointestinal disease, which can present as persistent oral odour¹
If bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene and regular use of natural remedies, that usually signals something needing professional attention rather than another home remedy. Our guides to persistent bad breath and gum disease goe into the dental causes in more detail.
When to see a dentist in Nairobi CBD
A useful rule: if your breath returns within an hour or two of brushing, flossing, or chewing cloves, and this has gone on for weeks, have it looked at. A dentist can identify whether the source is dental (decay, gum disease, plaque) or something needing referral elsewhere. At DentMind CBD Dental Centre, we assess the mouth for the actual source of the odour rather than recommending another rinse, and treat the cause directly, whether that means a deep cleaning, gum treatment, or dealing with a cavity that is harbouring bacteria. You can book an appointment online or reach us on WhatsApp, and you will find us on Google Maps.
The bottom line
Chewing cloves is a genuinely useful, low-cost habit backed by real antibacterial science, not just folklore. But it is a supporting tool, not a treatment. If bad breath keeps returning, the more useful next step is finding out why, and that starts with a proper dental check at our Kimathi Street clinic in Nairobi CBD, open Monday to Sunday.
FAQs
Does chewing cloves really work for bad breath? It can help. Eugenol in cloves has antibacterial properties that reduce the bacteria responsible for odour, and the aroma temporarily masks smell. It works best as a short-term measure alongside proper brushing, flossing, and hydration, not as a replacement for treating the underlying cause.
How long does the clove smell last? Typically 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on saliva flow and what you eat or drink afterwards.
Is clove oil safe to use every day? Occasional use is generally safe, but undiluted clove oil can irritate gum tissue with frequent use. For a daily routine, diluted rinses or clove-containing toothpaste are gentler options.
When should persistent bad breath be checked by a dentist? If it continues for more than a couple of weeks despite good hygiene and home remedies, or if it comes with gum bleeding, loose teeth, or mouth pain.
Can cloves replace brushing and flossing? No. Cloves reduce bacteria and mask odour briefly, but they do not remove plaque or reach below the gumline. They supplement good oral hygiene, they do not replace it.
References
- Saewan, N., & Atisakul, K. (2023). The antibacterial potential of essential oils of oral care Thai herbs against Streptococcus mutans and Solobacterium moorei — in vitro approach. Cosmetics, 10(5), 125. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10050125
- Moon, S. E., Kim, H. Y., & Cha, J. D. (2011). Synergistic effect between clove oil and its major compounds and antibiotics against oral bacteria. Archives of Oral Biology, 56(9), 907–916. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2011.02.005
- Haro-González, J. N., Castillo-Herrera, G. A., Martínez-Velázquez, M., & Espinosa-Andrews, H. (2021). Clove essential oil (Syzygium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): Extraction, chemical composition, food applications, and essential bioactivity for human health. Molecules, 26(21), 6387. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216387
- El-Saber Batiha, G., Alkazmi, L. M., Wasef, L. G., Beshbishy, A. M., Nadwa, E. H., & Rashwan, E. K. (2020). Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicological activities. Biomolecules, 10(2), 202. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10020202
