Relieve cavity pain until dentist

Rinse gently, protect the tooth from triggers, and use suitable pain medicine while arranging prompt dental treatment.

A cavity is a damaged area where acids have dissolved tooth mineral and may have reached dentine or the pulp. Pain can be triggered by cold, heat, sweet foods, pressure, or inflammation inside the tooth, and temporary relief does not remove the cause.

Clean gently with a soft brush, floss carefully if food is trapped, and rinse with lukewarm salt water if it feels soothing. Follow the label for an appropriate nonprescription pain reliever, avoid chewing on that side, and do not place heat against facial swelling.

Book dental care promptly because a filling, crown, pulp treatment, or extraction may be needed depending on the depth of damage. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, fever, pus, worsening pain, or trouble opening the mouth, swallowing, or breathing.

Ask how deep the decay is, whether the pulp is inflamed or infected, and which treatment can preserve the tooth. Tell the dentist what triggers the pain, how long it lasts, and every medicine or health condition relevant to pain relief.