A cavity is a hole in the tooth that develops when the tooth begins to decay. Also called dental caries, cavities most commonly develop because of plaque that builds up on the teeth, which then erodes the enamel. A cavity can be quite painful, and it will need to be properly filled by a dentist. Until you can see the dentist, there are several things you can do at home to ease the pain of a toothache.
Remove Food
In some cases, a bit of food lodged in a cavity can cause the tooth to ache even more than usual. In these instances, getting the food out can provide some relief. One easy way is to take a drink of water and swish it around in your mouth in an attempt to remove loose bits of food. It's best to use warm or room-temperature water because hot and cold liquids can cause additional sensitivities. Floss is another good way to remove food that may be causing a toothache.
Clove Oil
Clove oil has long been used as a home remedy for toothaches. Apply a few drops of the oil to a cotton ball or swab and place it on the affected tooth. You can also place the oil directly on the tooth if you wish. If you don't have any clove oil in the house, visit your local drug store to see if it carries it. Many do just for this use.
Salt Water
Gargling or rinsing with salt water can provide some relief from a toothache caused by a cavity. Dissolve a teaspoon of table salt into a full glass of room-temperature or warm water and use it after eating and before bed to relieve some of the pain. Don't swallow the liquid, though. Swish each mouthful of the water around in your mouth and spit it out.
Numbing
One good way to alleviate a toothache is to numb the affected tooth. Several products are available to numb teeth, but if they aren't available, there are some things you can try at home. First, try sucking on ice near the affected tooth. The cold of the ice will dull the pain of the toothache. Remember, though, that biting and chewing ice can be bad for your teeth. You can also try taking a shot or swig of liquor to dull the pain. Strong liquors such as whiskey will numb the area for a while and provide some relief.
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