Stop cavity pain

Decay opens channels in the tooth that transmit thermal and chemical irritation toward the pulp. Temporary comfort measures do not close the cavity or remove infected tissue. A cavity can hurt when decay irritates the dentin or pulp, and lasting relief requires removing decay or treating the pulp.

Rinse gently with warm water, brush carefully, avoid the trigger foods, and use only pain medicine that you can take as directed on its label. A dentist removes decayed tooth structure and restores the tooth, or performs root canal treatment when the pulp cannot recover.

Seek care promptly for persistent pain, spontaneous pain, facial swelling, fever, a bad taste, or difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing. These signs can indicate pulpal or spreading dental infection.

Ask whether the pulp is inflamed or infected, how much tooth structure remains, and whether a filling, crown, root canal, or extraction is indicated.