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Having a cavity is notoriously painful. A cavity is a hole in your tooth enamel, which exposes the inner layers of the tooth, and in worse-case scenarios, exposes the nerve. 

The pain comes from the now sensitive area and can be triggered by temperatures, food getting in the hole and other stimuli.

Cavities develop into tiny holes, referred to as tooth decay or caries. When you eat sugar, the sugar and starch combine with the bacteria in your mouth to create an acid, which wears down your enamel. This is the first stage of a cavity.

Leaving a cavity untreated will only make it worse. Cavities can only be treated by a dentist and will either need a filling or result in the tooth being removed to prevent the spread of rot to surrounding teeth. However, the pain of a cavity can be soothed at home. 

Here are a few remedies to stop the pain from affecting your quality of life. 

Salt Water Rinse

The main reason to do a salt water rinse is to remove food particles that may have lodged into the hole and clear bacteria that may make the situation worse. Saltwater is a natural disinfectant. Cavities can make teeth sensitive to extreme temperatures. 

Salt reduces dental bacteria by temporarily increasing the pH balance of the mouth, and creating an alkaline environment where bacteria can’t survive, says leading toothpaste manufacturer Colgate. 

Bacteria prefer an acidic environment to thrive and multiply, so rinsing often can make it difficult for bacteria to breed. 

Additionally, salt water promotes healing. 

Keep Cleaning It

Keep brushing and flossing the area. Fluoride in toothpaste has pain-killing properties. Keeping the area clean will ensure faster pain relief. 

Toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can help. These kinds of toothpaste contain potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which are desensitising ingredients. You can place it where the tooth is hurting, preferably in the hole.

These ingredients have proven to be highly effective in treating sensitivity in most people by blocking the nerves and numbing the tubule holes.

Avoid Hard Or Sugary Foods

Limit sugary foods as sugar and harmful bacteria in plaque create acid, causing cavities in the teeth. People with cavities should avoid snacking on sweet drinks too. Fizzy drinks and juices are even worse and move through your cavities, wreaking havoc. 

Try to avoid sticky foods like toffee and honey. They remain on your teeth long after eating, especially if you do not rinse and floss after. 

Peppermint Tea Rinse

Once your teeth are brushed and rinsed, you can apply peppermint tea bags to the area. Steep the bag and let it cool in the water. 

Use the tea to rinse and the tea bag to apply to the affected area. It should be slightly warm when you use it. Put the tea bag in the fridge if you find pain relief in a colder compress instead of a warm one. Then apply it to your tooth. 

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

A hydrogen peroxide rinse is a popular home remedy to fight the inflammation around the cavity-affected tooth. It kills bacteria and also reduces plaque.

Make sure to dilute the hydrogen peroxide properly; 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Rinse three times a day after meals.

Guava Leaves, Wheatgrass, Garlic and Cloves

Once all the cleanings, rising and compressing are complete, you can find further relief in plant medicine. Many plants, especially bulbs and roots, have healing and antiseptic properties. 

Cloves are one of the more well-known home remedies for cavity pain. They taste strong but help in numbing the area. 

Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol, which acts as an anaesthetic and antibacterial agent. Try using it the same way one would do oil pulling, whereby you swish a tablespoon of oil around your mouth for 10-20 seconds.

Chewing guava leaves or boiling them as tea and drinking it can have anti-inflammatory properties and help heal wounds. They also have antimicrobial properties.

Garlic has also been used for generations in many antibacterial remedies. It also kills harmful bacteria that cause dental plaque and is a great pain reliever as it contains as it releases an antibacterial and antimicrobial compound called allicin. 

Slowly chew a clove of fresh garlic or add garlic paste to the area and leave it there for a few minutes before spitting it out. 

These options can be used for pain relief while you wait to see your dentist. Affinity Dental has an extensive network of over 2,000 dentists, ensuring you get great care at affordable pricing.