A cavity or hole in the tooth is caused by damage or decay. This cavity formation can also lead to excruciating pain that can make it difficult to carry on even daily activities. Damage to the teeth destroys the outer protective covering called enamel and exposes the inner dentin layer. This exposes the hole in the tooth to the nerves, causing cavity pain and sensitivity.
One of the best ways to get rid of cavity pain is to visit a dentist and have the cavities filled. In addition, over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding hot and cold food and drinks can also help.
In this article, we will look at ways to relieve tooth cavity pain. Keep reading to the end.
Understanding Cavity Toothache
Toothache from a cavity can happen to anyone at any time. You may be away on a business trip or vacation and observe a familiar ache in your mouth that you are sure is caused by a cavity. Tooth decay is also common, causing pain and leading to infection or even tooth loss.
With you being far away from home and your trip wrapping up, you need a quick fix to control the tooth cavity pain before reaching home and visiting your dentist. Here are the quick pain-relieving tips that can save you from the trouble
Quick Tips for Managing Tooth Cavity Pain
Here are the simple tips to help you manage a toothache:
- Avoid sugary foods: Avoid eating anything sweet. Do not consume hot/cold foods and beverages, as these can increase cavity pain.
- Brush your teeth gently: While it may seem impossible to brush your teeth during pain, it is still important to remove food particles from the teeth, as they can lead to further damage.
- Eat soft foods: Soft foods, including mashed potatoes, yogurt, and cold soups, do not require much chewing and help reduce pain.
- Use an oral rinse: Use a mouthwash or oral rinse after eating to remove food particles as well as freshen your breath.
- Call your dentist: Call your dentist even if you are away, as the dentist can recommend some over-the-counter pain-relieving medications to help you manage cavity pain until you get home.
How to Alleviate Tooth Cavity Pain?
Once you have reached your home, follow the following tips for alleviating the tooth cavity pain:
Call Your Dentist
If you have a cavity in your tooth, dental pain, or suspect a cavity, call your dentist immediately and book an appointment.
If you have a mild cavity, you may notice:
- A dent in your tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold beverages
- Sudden pain
- White patches on the tooth
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your dentist. The longer you put off visiting the dentist, the more severe the cavity will become and the more pain you will experience.
Pay Attention to What You Eat
Do not consume foods and drinks that are very cold, hot, acidic, or sugary.
When the tooth damage enters the dentin layer, it can cause pain in response to temperature. In addition, acidic and sugary foods can worsen the condition by further contributing to the decay and increasing pain.
Avoid acidic foods, including tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices, anything carbonated and sour, dried fruits, flavored tea, and vinegar.
Take Over the Counter Pain Medications
If your dentist finds it all right, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. The OTC pain medications are generally anti-inflammatories that work excellently for tooth pain and cavity relief.
Try Clove Oil for Pain
Another effective option is clove oil. Clove contains a substance called eugenol, which has pain-relieving and germ-killing properties. To use it, soak a small piece of cotton in the oil and keep it on the painful tooth for at least 10 seconds. Do not swallow the oil and repeat if you experience relief.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Even if it is painful, do not skip brushing the painful area. Keeping your mouth clean helps remove bacteria and reduce pain.
Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. It will not only soothe the painful area but also help in killing bacteria. To make the saltwater rinse, dilute a teaspoon of salt and about two teaspoons of baking soda in around 9 ounces of warm water. Swish the water around your mouth for about 20 seconds and spit it out.
Takeaway
Pain from either tooth decay or cavity should be immediately evaluate by the dentist. The pain will likely resolve once the cavity in the tooth is filled. However, while you wait to be evaluated by the dentist, you can manage the tooth cavity pain at home with OTC medications, clove oil, salt-water rinse, and avoiding cold, hot, sugary, and acidic beverages.
Get Your Cavities Evaluated by Us at University Ave Dental!
If you are experiencing cavities in your mouth and are experiencing severe pain, get yourself thoroughly checked by our gentle dentists at University Ave Dental. Our team uses the latest technology to not only help alleviate the pain but also provide permanent solutions to the cavities.
Schedule an appointment with us today.
You can also contact us at 763-784-1242.
You can also visit us at 10155 University Ave NE Suite #112, Blaine, MN 55434, United States.