Family Dentist In Harrisburg NC | Dental Cavity

Family Dentist In Harrisburg NC | Dental Cavity Management

Dental Cavity Treatment Management Options

A hole in the tooth, also known as tooth decay or dental cavity, can be considered a dental emergency at our Harrisburg Dentist office if intolerable pain or infection is associated. Pain and unbearable suffering is enough of a reason to cause you to schedule a same-day appointment with Drs. Icard or Strein at our Harrisburg dentist’s office as soon as possible. Taking the step to schedule a same day dentist appointment will be essential to preventing the problem from getting worse.

If today just isn’t the day that your schedule will allow you to come in, you may need some advice as to steps you can take to either reduce the level of pain and discomfort or to keep the problem from worsening. We highlight in this article some things you can do about a hole in your tooth until you can get to a dentist.

Cut Acidic Foods

You are probably aware that highly acidic foods contribute significantly to tooth decay and related issues. It is for this reason that it is important to always avoid such foods as much as possible, especially when you have a hole in your tooth. Highly sugary foods and drinks need to be avoided because of the break down of the sugar into acid by bacteria in the mouth, this acid contributes to the further deterioration of the tooth.

Keep Away from Hot or Cold Foods and Drinks

While avoiding highly sugary or acidic foods, you should also try to stay away from those that are considered too hot or too cold. Tooth enamel loss which eventually leads to dental cavities can cause your teeth to become extra-sensitive. As a result, you will feel more discomfort when eating or drinking food that is very hot or cold.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

The pain that could accompany a hole in the tooth might make you want to skip regular brushing and flossing so as to not touch it at all. Unfortunately, not only will this not help the problem but it will cause the problem to become more aggravated.

It is essential that you maintain the habit of brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste gently at least two times every day while also ensuring to floss between affected teeth once a day. Brushing and flossing can be of enormous help in eliminating food particles and bacteria that are capable of causing you further pain.

Use Clove Oil

Clove oil is one of the popular home remedies that are commonly recommended to people having who have cavities in their teeth that cause pain. You might wonder why this is the case, clove oil contains a substance known as eugenol, which boasts anesthetic and antiseptic properties, as is sometimes used in dental products.

To get relief from pain due to a cavity in your tooth, simply apply clove oil to a piece of cotton and hold it to the affected tooth for about 10 seconds. You may need something such as a pair of tweezers to do this more conveniently, depending on the location of the decaying tooth.

Use OTC Pain Relievers

There are some over-the-counter solutions for pain that you can take for a smaller cavity. They are available in the form of pills, gel or oil, which you do not require a doctor’s prescription to obtain and use.

If you are taking pain medication, you will do better by selecting one that fights inflammation like Ibuprofen. Pain due to tooth problems often has a connection to inflammation that can be decreased through the use of these types of OTC meds.

Apply Temporary Filling

While waiting to see a dentist, you can also consider temporary filling for a smaller cavity in your tooth. This will likely help only if you are able to locate the very point where there is a cavity, though. You can find temporary filling materials at your local pharmacy. Dentemp is one of the most popular solutions, it can also be bought online. It takes just about an hour for the filling to set and seal the hole in the tooth.

Conclusion

Make sure to make a dentist appointment at our Harrisburg NC office as soon as you notice a cavity or feel persistent pain.

We advise that you ask the dentist office staff for temporary measures you can take until when you are able to see him or her when making your appointment. This will, for instance, help you get the right pain relievers that won’t interact with whatever medications you may be taking currently.

Our Harrisburg NC Dentist Office

To learn more about dental treatments from Icard & Strein Family Dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, call our Harrisburg, NC dental office today at 704.455.5003.