Home remedies for toothache due to cavity

Home care can temporarily ease cavity pain, but only dental treatment can remove decay and repair the damaged tooth.

A cavity is a local loss of enamel and dentine caused by acids made when plaque bacteria use dietary sugars. As decay approaches the pulp, the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels, pain may become spontaneous or linger after hot or cold foods.

Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste and avoid very hot, cold, sweet, or sticky foods on the painful side. Do not put aspirin, alcohol, essential oils, or caustic powders on the gum or tooth, because they can injure oral tissue; book an examination for a filling, pulp treatment, or another repair.

Arrange care promptly when a cavity aches, because a hole does not close by itself. Facial swelling, fever, pus, a bad taste, difficulty opening the mouth, or trouble swallowing or breathing requires urgent assessment.

Ask how deep the decay is, whether an X-ray is needed, and whether the tooth can be restored with a filling or needs pulp treatment and a crown. Ask how to control pain until the appointment and how to protect the other teeth from new decay.