Cavity pain relief

Cavity pain can be eased temporarily by avoiding triggers and using appropriate medicine, but the decay needs dental treatment.

A cavity is a hole formed when acids from bacterial plaque dissolve enamel and dentine. Pain may come from exposed dentine, food trapped in the defect, or inflammation of the pulp inside the tooth.

Rinse with warm water, keep food from the cavity, and avoid very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic items. Use an over-the-counter pain medicine only as directed on its label and never place aspirin directly on the gum.

Arrange a dental visit promptly because a filling, crown, root canal treatment, or extraction may be needed depending on the depth of decay. Facial swelling, fever, pus, or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing requires urgent care.

Ask whether the pulp is involved and whether an X-ray is needed. Ask which restoration preserves the remaining tooth structure and how the cavity will be sealed after decay is removed.