Cavity Pain: 7 Ways to Relieve Pain & When to See a Dentist

Cold compresses, warm salt water rinses, and clove tea mouth rinses may help temporarily relieve cavity pain. These options have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, or pain-relieving properties.

A cavity can be caused by tooth decay or by wear and tear on an existing dental restoration. In addition to pain, it can also lead to increased tooth sensitivity, gum swelling, and white spots on the tooth.

These home remedies can help relieve cavity pain temporarily, but they do not replace an appointment with a dentist. Dental treatment may include placing restorative material in the hole in the tooth and/or removing the decay, depending on the cause.

7 ways to relieve cavity pain

Some ways to relieve cavity pain include:

1. Apply cold compresses

Applying cold compresses to the face, over the painful area, can help reduce inflammation and relieve cavity pain.

A cold compress can be applied for 15 to 20 minutes every 4 hours. It is important to wrap the compress in a towel to help prevent ice burns on the face.

2. Rinse with warm salt water

Rinsing with warm salt water is a good option for relieving cavity pain, as it has an antiseptic effect and can help reduce the amount of bacteria around the tooth.

Warm salt water also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which can help relieve pain.

To prepare this solution, mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and stir with a spoon.

Then rinse the mouth by swishing the solution around for 20 to 30 seconds, 2 to 3 times per day. Spit out the solution afterward.

3. Rinse with clove tea

Rinsing with clove tea can help reduce cavity pain because it contains eugenol, which has analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects.

To prepare the tea, place 10 cloves and 1 cup of water in a saucepan, turn on the heat, and let it boil for 5 minutes. Then strain the tea, wait until it is warm, and use it as a mouth rinse.

Clove tea can be swished around the mouth for 20 to 30 seconds, 2 times per day, and then spit out.

4. Apply garlic

Applying garlic to the cavity area may also help relieve pain, as garlic has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties that help eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation, which can improve pain.

To use garlic, crush 1 garlic clove with a pinch of salt and a few drops of olive oil until it forms a paste. Then place it over the cavity 1 or 2 times per day, allowing it to act for a few minutes.

It is important not to push garlic into the cavity, as this can cause more pain and discomfort, especially if tooth decay is present.

5. Place peppermint on the tooth

Placing a peppermint tea bag over the cavity can help relieve pain, as peppermint is rich in menthol and menthone, which have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.

To do this, bring 1 cup of water to a boil, turn off the heat, and add the peppermint tea bag. Then wait until it is warm, remove the tea bag from the cup, and apply it over the cavity, allowing it to act for a few minutes. Discard the tea bag afterward.

Another option is to use peppermint essential oil as a mouth rinse. In this case, mix 2 to 3 drops of peppermint essential oil in 1 cup of water and stir.

Then swish it around the mouth for 30 to 40 seconds, 2 to 3 times per day, and spit it out afterward.

6. Avoid very hot or cold foods

To prevent the pain from getting worse, it is also important to avoid eating very hot or cold foods. Cold air entering the mouth while speaking should also be avoided, as the teeth may be more sensitive.

Foods that are high in sugar should also be avoided, as they can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth and may lead to more cavities.

7. Take a pain reliever

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, or an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may also help relieve cavity pain.

Ideally, these medications for cavity pain and inflammation should be used as recommended by a dentist.

However, in some cases of severe pain, an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory may be taken to temporarily relieve pain until a dentist can be consulted.

When to see a dentist

It is important to see a dentist for any type of tooth pain. However, an appointment is even more important when:

• The tooth pain does not improve with home remedies or pain medication;

• The pain comes back within a few days;

• There is bleeding for more than 2 or 3 days;

• The teeth are very sensitive and make it difficult to eat;

• A tooth fracture is visible.

One of the best ways to prevent tooth pain from coming back is to brush your teeth every day and have a routine dental appointment at least once a year