How to quickly relieve toothache caused by dental caries
Dental caries refers to cavities. Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a quick way to relieve toothache caused by dental caries. Tooth pain from cavities may be caused by external stimuli, food impaction, brushing irritation, periodontal abscess, pulpitis, and other reasons. Treatment methods such as root canal therapy, tooth extraction, dental fillings, or medication can be used under the guidance of a doctor. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. External Stimulation
External stimuli such as cold, heat, sourness, or sweetness directly contacting exposed dentin or dental pulp can trigger cavity-related pain. In daily life, avoid such stimuli and take care to protect your teeth. Root canal treatment may also be performed under the guidance of a professional dentist. This involves removing necrotic tissue and bacteria from the root canal, followed by proper disinfection and filling, to eliminate adverse stimulation of periapical tissues and prevent or promote healing of periapical lesions. The general reference price for root canal treatment is 300–1500 yuan per tooth. Improvement is typically seen within 3–6 hours, although complications such as infection or root perforation may occur.
2. Food Impaction
Cavities easily become areas where food debris accumulates. When food becomes impacted, it may compress the dentin or irritate the gums, leading to cavity pain. Use dental floss or interdental brushes regularly to prevent inflammation. It is recommended to have the tooth extracted under the guidance of a professional dentist. When decay is too severe to repair or save the tooth, extraction becomes a necessary treatment. Tooth extraction removes irreparable teeth to prevent further infection or pain. The general reference price for tooth extraction is 200–1500 yuan per tooth. Improvement is usually noticeable within 2–3 hours, but possible side effects include bleeding and infection.
3. Brushing Irritation
During brushing, the toothbrush or toothpaste may directly irritate sensitive cavities or exposed dentin, causing cavity pain. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in daily life to reduce irritation. Dental fillings can also be performed under professional guidance. Fillings involve removing decayed tissue and restoring the tooth's shape and function using suitable restorative materials such as composite resin or amalgam. This method is suitable for early or moderate stages of tooth decay. The general reference price for fillings is 100–500 yuan per tooth. Improvement is typically seen within 2–3 hours, though sensitivity or material dislodgement may occur.
4. Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess is a localized purulent inflammation occurring in the periodontal pocket or deep periodontal connective tissue. Cavities can lead to periodontal infection, resulting in gum swelling and abscess formation. This condition exerts pressure on periodontal tissues, thereby causing cavity pain. It may be accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as metronidazole tablets, compound honeysuckle granules, or cefuroxime axetil tablets for treatment.
5. Pulpitis
If cavities are not treated promptly, bacteria may invade the pulp chamber, causing inflammation of the dental pulp. The inflammation may increase pressure within the pulp chamber, compressing nerve endings and potentially causing severe pain. Symptoms may include intensified pain upon exposure to hot or cold stimuli and loose teeth. It is recommended that patients follow medical advice and use medications such as roxithromycin capsules, ornidazole dispersible tablets, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets for treatment.
It is advisable to visit a reputable hospital and undergo procedures under the guidance of qualified professionals to ensure effectiveness and safety. In daily life, maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing regularly, using dental floss to clean between teeth, and limiting intake of sugary foods can help prevent cavities and reduce cavity-related pain.