Both clove oil and over-the-counter numbing gels provide temporary relief for tooth nerve pain by numbing the affected area. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic that can be more effective for deep pain when applied via a soaked cotton ball, while numbing gels offer quick, topical relief for surface-level gum discomfort.

• Clove Oil: Contains active ingredients that numb the skin on contact; should be diluted with a carrier oil like olive oil before application.
• OTC Numbing Gels: Typically contain benzocaine or lidocaine to provide immediate, short-term topical anaesthesia to the gums and tooth surface.
• Application: Clove oil is often applied for 5–10 minutes using a cotton swab, whereas gels are applied directly to the painful spot.
• Limitations: Neither treatment addresses the underlying cause of the pain, such as decay or infection, and should only be used while waiting for a dental appointment.