How to deal with toothache from cavities?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Cavity toothache occurs when bacteria infect the hard tissue of the tooth, approaching or reaching the dental nerve, causing a pain response from the nerve, which is also a self-protective reaction. Initial treatment for cavity toothache involves using a drill to remove the decayed hard tissue of the tooth. If the decay is completely removed and the dental nerve is not exposed, this condition can be directly treated by filling or using a pulp-capping agent to protect the nerve before filling. If, after removing the decay, the dental nerve is exposed or reached, the situation cannot be resolved with a direct and immediate filling. Instead, nerve-killing procedures are necessary, which involve root canal treatment of the tooth.

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
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Can cavities be transmitted to other people?

Cavities are not contagious to other people. Cavities themselves are not considered a contagious disease. The development of this condition is a long-term and complex process, not merely caused by the transmission of pathogens. Initially, there are some pits and fissures on a patient's teeth which are easily attacked by acidic substances produced by bacteria, leading to the demineralization of calcium in the enamel, thereby softening and collapsing the enamel. If a patient frequently consumes sweet foods and neglects oral hygiene, not brushing or rinsing thoroughly, it could lead to bacteria decomposing these sweet food residues, continually damaging the patient’s teeth and resulting in cavities.

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Dentistry
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What should I do about bad breath caused by dental caries?

If a patient is suffering from dental caries that have already caused bad breath, the situation requires active treatment targeting the dental caries. Due to the ease with which food residue and bacteria can accumulate in cavities, this will cause an odor in the mouth. Initially, it is essential to clear out food debris, bacteria, and any decayed material from the cavity. If the cavity is shallow, it can be directly filled with light-cured resin material. After the cavity is filled, the patient's bad breath symptoms should be alleviated. However, if the cavity is deep, it should first be treated with a pulp-protecting base before filling. If the dental nerve is affected, causing pulpitis, root canal treatment must be conducted first.

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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How to prevent cavities in children

Prevention of tooth decay in children should first encourage them to develop good tooth-brushing habits, reducing bacteria and plaque on the tooth surface, and include brushing in the morning and evening, as well as rinsing after meals. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body but is susceptible to cracking. Acidic or sugary substances are harmful to teeth, so it's best to avoid sweets and acidic foods in the evening and to brush teeth before going to bed. Brushing teeth before sleeping is crucial and some anti-cavity treatments should be done, such as fluoride application or dental sealants. It's also important to develop a habit of regular dental check-ups to detect and treat cavities early.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Will tooth decay affect other teeth?

When a patient suffers from tooth decay, generally not taking measures to treat it may cause other teeth to also develop cavities. Some patients with long-term cavities may have one or more teeth affected, and even some patients might have entire teeth significantly decayed. Therefore, when cavities occur, certain measures must be taken for treatment. Depending on the condition of the cavity, a specific treatment plan should be formulated, whether it's a dental filling or tooth extraction. Thus, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene in their daily lives, brushing their teeth morning and evening. After meals, it's important to promptly remove food residues from the mouth and develop proper habits for brushing and eating. If a cavity develops, the patient should treat it early to prevent it from affecting other teeth.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What are the treatment methods for children's dental caries?

If children have dental caries, it is crucial to treat them actively, even if the caries are on primary teeth, timely repair is necessary. Once a child's teeth begin to erupt, it is important to start brushing their teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene. If caries have already developed, take the child to a pediatric dental clinic for tooth repair. This is especially true for the back molars, which, even though they may be replaced at the age of six, still need to be repaired throughout the process. Otherwise, it will affect the eruption and alignment of the permanent teeth later on. Therefore, if children develop dental caries, it is essential to visit a hospital as soon as possible for dental treatment, and once all the molars are in place, fissure sealants should be applied.