The 90-Year-Old Secret: One Clove a Night for Strong, Cavity-Free Teeth

A few weeks ago, I went to visit my maternal grandfather in our ancestral village. At 90 years old, he is still sharp, active, and full of life. But what struck me most wasn’t his boundless energy but it was his teeth.

As we sat together on the veranda, he casually bit into a piece of sugarcane, chewing it effortlessly. Later, I watched in disbelief as he cracked open hard nuts with his teeth as if they were nothing. I couldn’t resist asking, “Dadaji, what’s your secret? How do you still have such strong teeth at your age?”

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “It’s very simple,” he said. “I’ve been having one clove every night before bed… for the last sixty years.”

At first, I thought he was joking. But he explained how his own father had taught him this habit, saying that clove (Laung) was nature’s gift for oral health. Cloves are known in Ayurveda for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties. Chewing a single clove each night not only kept his teeth strong, but also protected his gums, prevented cavities, and kept bad breath away.

As he spoke, I realized it wasn’t just about the clove but about consistency. For six decades, through changing seasons and life’s ups and downs, my grandfather never skipped his nightly clove. It was his quiet, unshakable ritual.

That night, I found myself holding a single clove before bed, thinking of him. It’s such a small act, almost too simple to believe, yet here was living proof – a man nearing a century, still able to chew sugarcane with the teeth he was born with.

Sometimes, the most powerful health secrets are not locked away in expensive clinics or complicated treatments but they’re hidden in the wisdom of our elders, waiting for us to ask, listen, and learn.

Introduction to Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Clove, known as Laung in Hindi, is a dried flower bud from the evergreen clove tree. Native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, it has traveled across continents for centuries, valued both as a spice and as a medicine. In Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine, clove is celebrated for its warming, aromatic, and healing nature.

Ayurvedically, clove has a Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) taste, with Ushna Virya (hot potency). It helps balance Kapha and Vata, stimulates digestion, improves circulation, and supports oral and respiratory health.

Scientific Benefits of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

1. Oral & Dental Health

Clove’s primary bioactive compound, eugenol, is both an analgesic (pain reliever) and antiseptic. It is widely used in dentistry for:

• Toothache relief – Eugenol numbs the nerves and reduces discomfort.
• Gum protection – Its antibacterial action fights plaque-forming bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
• Post-procedure healing – Dental cements containing clove oil help protect exposed nerves and prevent infection.

Scientific evidence: A 2014 study in the Journal of Dentistry showed that clove extract mouthwash significantly reduced harmful oral bacteria within 7 days, comparable to chlorhexidine mouthwash but without the chemical side effects.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Clove contains flavonoids, eugenol, and kaempferol, which inhibit inflammatory pathways like COX-2. This makes it useful for:

• Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
• Throat irritation
• Joint stiffness or mild arthritis pain

Scientific evidence: Animal studies published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that clove extract significantly reduced inflammation markers and swelling in induced arthritis models.

3. Rich Antioxidant Source

Clove ranks among the highest antioxidant-rich foods, with an ORAC score (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) far exceeding many fruits and spices. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress – a key factor in aging, heart disease, and chronic inflammation.

Scientific evidence: Research in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirmed that clove’s antioxidant activity is largely due to its high phenolic content, making it effective in reducing free radical damage.

4. Digestive Health

Traditionally, clove is used to stimulate digestion by increasing gastric enzyme secretion. It helps:

• Reduce bloating and gas
• Prevent nausea and motion sickness
• Protect the stomach lining against ulcers

Scientific evidence: A study in Phytotherapy Research found that clove extract reduced gastric lesions in rats, suggesting a protective effect against ulcers induced by NSAIDs.

5. Respiratory Benefits

Clove’s warming nature and antimicrobial activity help clear respiratory congestion, soothe coughs, and relieve sore throats.

• Inhaling steam infused with clove oil may reduce mucus buildup.
• Chewing clove or drinking clove tea can soothe inflamed throat tissues.

Scientific evidence: In vitro studies show that clove oil inhibits the growth of respiratory pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

6. Blood Sugar Control

Clove’s polyphenols have shown potential in improving insulin sensitivity and regulating post-meal glucose spikes.

• May aid in Type 2 diabetes management when combined with diet and exercise.

Scientific evidence: A human trial published in Journal of Medicinal Food found that clove supplementation reduced fasting glucose and improved insulin function in pre-diabetic adults.

7. Immune Support & Antimicrobial Action

Clove oil is active against a range of bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses.

• Useful for preventing infections in wounds (when diluted).
• May help in food preservation due to its antimicrobial strength.

Scientific evidence: The Brazilian Journal of Microbiology reported that clove oil showed strong inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and other common pathogens.