How do you stop a cavity from hurting

To stop pain from a cavity, reduce irritation temporarily and have the tooth treated because a cavity does not repair itself once a hole has formed.

A cavity is tooth decay caused by acids produced when plaque bacteria break down sugars. Early mineral loss may be arrested or repaired with fluoride, but decay that has breached enamel creates a cavity that usually needs a restoration; deeper infection can inflame the pulp and cause spontaneous or lingering pain.

Rinse with warm water, keep food from the cavity, avoid very hot, cold, sweet, or acidic triggers, and brush gently with fluoride toothpaste. A dentist may remove decayed tissue and place a filling, or use pulp treatment and a crown when decay has reached the nerve space.

Arrange prompt care for pain that persists, wakes you, lingers after cold, or occurs without a trigger. Facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing can signal spreading infection and needs urgent care.

Ask how deep the decay is, whether the pulp is inflamed, whether an X-ray is needed, and whether the tooth can be restored with a filling, crown, or root canal treatment.