How to Relieve Cavity Pain: Home remedies to Soothe Your Toothache

Read on to explore a variety of home remedies that may help you alleviate the pain. Alongside the home remedies for tooth cavity, you can also gain insights into what dental cavities are, why they hurt, and the toothpastes available to fight against cavities. 

Dental pain is often a sign of a cavity. Dental cavities or dental caries are a result of tooth decay. They start with damage to the tooth enamel and grow into tiny holes or openings on the tooth surface. Pain is usually felt when the cavity reaches the layers below the enamel. As a result, the tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold. You may also feel a toothache when you bite down or chew food.

Left untreated, the cavity may lead to persistent pain, facial swelling and even tooth loss. Hence, it is best to get a tooth cavity checked by a dental professional early on. Meanwhile, there are several ways to ease the pain at home until the dental visit. From simple home remedies to over-the-counter options, they can offer instant teeth pain relief for the short term, although they do not address the root cause.

Are you wondering how to manage cavity tooth pain naturally at home? There are several natural remedies that can ease the pain temporarily. While they are not a substitute for professional dental care, you may consider them for short-term relief from pain and discomfort while you wait for the dental appointment.

Below are some of the common home remedies for teeth pain that many people consider for temporary relief:

• Salt Water Rinse: A classic remedy that people with tooth pain often use. Typically, 1 teaspoon of salt is mixed into a cup of warm water to prepare a mouthwash to swish around the mouth before spitting it out. Salt has antimicrobial properties that fight germs. While extremely hot or cold water can cause discomfort for a tooth with a cavity, warm water tends to soothe it. It helps ease the pain while the salt helps reduce swelling. Relief from salt water rinse is temporary; efficacy may vary among individuals.

• Cold Compress: Some people apply a cold compress or ice pack outside the cheek near the affected tooth. You may wrap ice in a towel and place it on the outer cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. It works by constricting blood vessels in the affected area. This temporarily numbs the pain and reduces inflammation. While a cold compress helps reduce pain temporarily, it does not address the underlying cause of the toothache.

• Clove Oil: It is one of the common home remedies for teeth cavity pain. Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anaesthetic with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. People with tooth pain dab a small amount of this essential oil on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected tooth. It is known to temporarily reduce pain and swelling and does not address the root cause. This remedy may be less appealing to some people due to its unpleasant taste.

• Avoid Sugary Foods: Cut out sugary foods and drinks like candies, sweets, soda, and sticky snacks that promote tooth decay. The harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on their residues and release acids that decay the enamel, leading to cavities. Sugary foods can worsen dental cavities and tooth pain. Instead, choose healthy sugar-free foods rich in nutrients like calcium and vitamin D for strong, healthy teeth.

Other remedies, such as coconut oil pulling or baking soda rinse, may tempt you. However, not all home remedies are safe and effective; some can be potentially harmful. It is best to consider the safe ones and use them with caution.

While you wait for a dental checkup, you may explore options for cavity treatment at home. The permanent cure for cavity pain comes only with professional care. However, these options can provide temporary relief and help prevent the cavities from worsening. They include:

• Anti Cavity Toothpaste: It is easy to include in your dental care routine. Choose a toothpaste that not only cleans your mouth but also protects it from harmful germs responsible for tooth decay. What to look for in toothpaste ingredients to fight against cavities? Look for fluoride, antibacterial agents and plaque-control formula.

  For instance, the Colgate Total Advanced Health Toothpaste has an advanced formula that fights the root cause of dental problems. The Dual Zinc + Arginine (DZA) technology* offers 12-hour antibacterial protection for your mouth. It actively targets harmful bacteria on your teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Looking to prevent cavities or manage them before a dental visit? Then this toothpaste is worth considering.

• Pain-relievers: Over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain and swelling. While they do not address the root cause, they can provide quick, temporary relief. It is vital to seek professional advice before using them and follow the right dosage, especially for people with any existing health issues.

If you are wondering which is the best toothpaste for cavity prevention, choose one with fluoride and a strong antibacterial formula.

While home remedies for teeth cavity can help, knowing the causes is key to preventing a cavity in the first place. It helps to know how cavities cause pain and damage your teeth as they progress through various stages. Knowing the risk factors helps you care for your teeth better. Dental cavities are often a result of poor oral hygiene, plaque buildup and frequent intake of sugary foods and drinks.

Food particles and bacteria in the mouth form a sticky film of plaque on your teeth and gumline. Amidst poor oral hygiene, it builds up and hardens into tartar. The harmful plaque bacteria feed on the sugar residues and release acids that decay the tooth enamel. As the early signs of decay often go unnoticed, tiny holes or openings called cavities form on the tooth surface. Left untreated, they grow, causing pain, sensitivity and damage to the tooth structure, eventually leading to tooth loss. Risk factors include:

• Lack of proper brushing, flossing and rinsing.

• Frequent consumption of sugary or starchy foods and drinks.

• Poor saliva flow (dry mouth) reduces the natural washing away of food debris.

• Cracks, grooves or pits in the teeth where plaque gets trapped easily.

• Gum recession (gums pulling away from teeth), which exposes the tooth root surfaces to bacterial acids.

When considering how to identify the severity of a cavity, it is worth knowing the stages it progresses through:

• Demineralisation: A stage often overlooked, as you may not experience tooth pain at all. However, white spots or dark stains may indicate an early stage of a cavity.

• Enamel decay: As the enamel weakens and decays, the white spots turn brown and cavities form. You may notice occasional sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.

• Dentine decay: Sharp pain while biting or chewing food. The cavity may have reached the dentine layer below the enamel. The pain lasts only while chewing.

• Pulp damage: You may notice a dull, persistent pain without any direct stimuli. At this point, the cavity may have reached the tooth centre or pulp.

• Abscess: At this stage, the decay may have resulted in a deep infection and pus-filled abscesses near the affected tooth. The toothache may be severe and throbbing, along with facial swelling and fever. It requires urgent dental care.

Even the most effective home remedies for teeth cavity are only a temporary fix. Only professional treatment can stop the decay from progressing and ensure long-term relief. A dental professional can diagnose the severity of a cavity and suggest the right treatment. It can be a simple dental filling or root canal therapy for severe cases. Fluoride treatments can help remineralise teeth, and dental sealants can reverse the early signs of decay before cavities form.

Timely cavity treatment can help prevent severe damage to your teeth. Booking a dental appointment is crucial if you notice the following signs:

• Visible dark spots or holes on your teeth

• Pain that makes chewing difficult or keeps you awake at night

• Severe, throbbing pain that persists

• Swellings around the jaws, gums or face

• Fever, pus or bad breath (signs of infection)

Besides, regular dental checkups are vital for good oral health. They help address early signs of decay and cavities before they worsen. They also alleviate tartar and plaque missed by your daily oral care routine.

To conclude, dealing with a dental cavity can be distressing. Only professional treatment can provide a long-term and effective cure. If you notice any signs of a cavity, book a dental checkup immediately. Besides, daily habits can go a long way in protecting your dental health:

• Brush your teeth twice daily. Use an antibacterial fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to protect the enamel.

• Floss once daily to clean plaque from between teeth.

• Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or a mouth rinse.

• Reduce sugary foods and drinks. Rinse immediately after consumption. If possible, use a straw to avoid direct contact with teeth.

Home remedies for teeth cavity pain offer temporary relief, though not a substitute for professional care. A timely intervention can prevent the cavity from worsening. Good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups are key to preventing cavities for a healthy smile.

*From the house of Colgate.

1. Is It Possible to Fix a Cavity at Home?

   No, you can manage the pain and discomfort and prevent the cavity from worsening. Only a professional treatment can fix the cavity effectively.

2. Which is the Best Toothpaste for Cavity?

   The best toothpaste for cavities often includes fluoride and an antibacterial formula. It protects the enamel and fights harmful bacteria responsible for cavities. An advanced formula like Colgate Total Advanced Health toothpaste actively protects your mouth from germs and strengthens the enamel.

3. Can You Heal a Cavity Naturally at Home?

   No, once formed, a cavity can only be treated by a dental professional. You can slow down its progress by practising good oral hygiene, watching your diet and using an anti cavity toothpaste.

4. Can You Stop a Cavity From Growing?

   Yes, with good oral care habits, using an antibacterial fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugar intake and ensuring regular dental checkups.

5. How Long Can a Tooth Last With a Cavity?

   It depends on the severity of the cavity. Small cavities may worsen over a month or two. However, untreated decay can damage the tooth structure over time.

To conclude, dealing with a tooth cavity can be a discomforting experience, often accompanied by pain and sensitivity. While home remedies for tooth cavity offer temporary relief, they are not substitutes for professional dental care. It is crucial to seek immediate medical advice from a dental professional rather than resorting to home remedies, especially if you have other underlying medical conditions. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene with regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste along with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and flossing once per day can help with long-term cavity prevention. Also, promptly consult a dentist for regular dental check-ups to prevent any dental issues.