Schedule an appointment with your dentist. While you may put a dentist’s appointment off due to fear or finances, tooth pain does not often go away on its own and if you have a cavity, you’ll need your dentist to fill the cavity to relieve your pain, notes KidsHealth.org. Allowing your cavity to fester can only cause more damage, resulting in more extensive dental work.Your dentist is the only person who can perform this procedure, so call him as soon as you notice pain or sensitivity to heat and cold
Apply a topical analgesic designed for toothaches and teething babies over the surface of your sore tooth, suggests the MayoClinic.com. Analgesics work to numb the nerve endings in order to dull the pain. Clove oil can also have a similar effect and it is easy to find at most drugstores. Never apply aspirin or other pain relievers directly to the tooth or your gums, as they can cause burns.
Take an over the counter pain reliever according to package directions to help dull the pain for a short period of time, suggests MedlinePlus. Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen work by relieving swelling in the body and blocking pain receptors so you feel better. Pain relievers should never be used as a long-term solution to treat cavity pain instead of visiting your dentist.
Brush your teeth with warm water and avoid extreme temperatures. Cavities can make your tooth feel much more sensitive than usual, so avoid things like ice cream, hot coffee and other very hot or cold food or beverages that could cause your tooth even more pain.
Continue with good oral hygiene even when you have a cavity. A sore mouth still needs to be cleaned and flossed at least twice per day. While it may be painful to brush over your sore tooth, use a soft bristled brush to ensure that any food particles have been removed, as they can make the pain worse.