Dental Cavity: Three Crucial Tips for Managing the Pain

29 March 2018
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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The process of tooth decay destroys the protective enamel of the dental structure. Over time, the dentin and the cementum will also be corroded if dental treatment is not carried out. Once these structures are worn out, the blood vessels and nerves which make up the pulp inside the tooth will be exposed to external conditions. As a result, you will experience a lot of pain. Ideally, you should have your dentist perform emergency treatment when the decay becomes painful. However, if you must delay the procedure, you should use these tips to manage the toothache.

Use a Temporary Filling

The pain experienced due to a tooth cavity can be attributed to exposure of the sensitive pulp cavity to external conditions. Therefore, if you can seal the hole that is exposing the nerves to cold, heat and pressure, you will be able to alleviate the aching. You can purchase a temporary filling over the counter from your local pharmacy. You should apply it as directed to minimise pain. It is important to remember that this is only a temporary solution. You should consult a dentist as soon as possible for permanent filling of the cavity.

Avoid Foods That Cause Sensitivity

There are some foods which will induce sensitivity and pain even if the cavity is considerably small. You should avoid such beverages and foods to protect yourself from unnecessary pain. In general, decayed teeth are vulnerable to hot and cold items. Therefore, you should avoid these extreme temperatures until you can get treated. You should also minimise your intake of acidic and sweet foods. These items might induce a sharp pain in the damaged tooth. Also, they can make the damage worse. Simply speaking, acidic foods will keep eroding the enamel, and the sweet materials will provide food for the bacteria which contribute to decay. You should opt for bland, warm and soft foods until you receive appropriate treatment.

Obtain Some Painkillers

If you cannot handle the aching in your decayed tooth, you should think about using over-the-counter pain medication. The drugs can help in reducing the level of pain for a limited period, allowing you to make arrangements for treatment. When choosing your painkiller, you should opt for products with anti-inflammatory compounds. The drug will help in managing the swelling in your oral tissues, so the overall results of the analgesics will be better. You should use the oral medication as indicated to avoid making the dental problems worse. For example, you should not apply the product on the decayed tooth because your tissues might sustain more damage.