Did you suddenly notice a sharp pain while chewing or drinking? You might have a cavity. The treatment you need depends on the severity of the decay, but you will definitely need to see a dentist. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to make yourself more comfortable and prevent the problem from worsening while you are waiting for your appointment.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers for a Cavity
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be very effective at reducing inflammation and oral pain. You should talk to your doctor first because some medical conditions or medications prohibit use of these medications.
Over-the-Counter Oral Anesthetics
These products are specifically designed for tooth pain. That gel you put on a baby’s gums when they are teething is also available for everyone else. Oral topical anesthetics are gels or liquids that you put on the area that is hurting to numb it temporarily.
Reduce Sensitivity and Pain
There are some things you can do to keep up with your oral health even though you are in pain. Doing these things will help ensure that your dental problems don’t worsen or spread to other teeth. Some things you can do include:
- Brush or rinse with warm water. It is very soothing.
- Use toothpaste and therapeutic mouthwash formulated for sensitive teeth.
- Avoid very hot or very cold beverages, as well as sugary or sticky foods.
Contact us for an appointment!
These measures will only get you so far. You really have to get a cavity repaired by a dentist. They may need to use fluoride therapy to prevent further decay, apply a filling, put in a crown, or in extreme measures perform a root canal or extraction, depending on the severity of your cavity. Contact us today for your appointment.
