Relief for cavity pain

A cavity can cause sensitivity or persistent tooth pain; temporary measures help, but removing decay and restoring the tooth treats the cause.

Cavity pain usually comes from irritated dentin or an inflamed pulp inside the tooth. Cold, sweet, biting, or spontaneous pain can help a dentist judge how far decay has progressed.

Rinse gently with warm water, keep food away from the tooth, and use an over-the-counter pain reliever only as directed on its label and appropriate to your health history. Do not put aspirin, alcohol, or concentrated oils on the gum.

Arrange dental care promptly if pain persists, returns after pain medicine, or is triggered by biting. Facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing needs urgent dental or medical assessment.

Ask whether the decay has reached dentin or the pulp, whether a filling is suitable, and what examination or X-ray is needed. Ask which pain-relief options fit your medicines, allergies, pregnancy status, and medical conditions.