How long does it generally take for the pain from a cavity to ease when biting?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on February 10, 2025
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When patients experience some occlusal pain due to tooth decay, the time it takes for relief depends on the patient's inflammation levels and the treatment measures taken. If the patient receives timely treatment and effectively alleviates the inflammation, it generally takes about a week to heal and relieve the pain. If the patient does not undergo treatment, the condition may worsen and the pain may persist longer. Therefore, when a patient has tooth decay, it is best to visit a hospital for a consultation. Treatment should be administered based on the extent of the decayed tooth, and in severe cases of decay, tooth extraction might be necessary.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can tooth decay pain be relieved with Sichuan pepper?

If a patient has dental caries and is experiencing considerable pain, and there are no medications available nearby, they can temporarily use Sichuan peppercorns for pain relief. This is because certain components within Sichuan peppercorns can alleviate some of the pain, although they do not treat the dental caries directly. Thus, it is recommended that if a patient is suffering from toothache due to dental caries, they should seek timely treatment at a hospital. The specific treatment plan should be based on the extent of damage caused by the dental caries. If the damage is minor, the tooth generally does not require special treatment; however, if the dental caries are severe and have damaged the tooth structure, root, or even the dental nerves or gum tissue, it is advisable for the patient to consider tooth extraction followed by a dental restoration. The specific recommendations should still be based on a doctor’s diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan should be established.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Is tooth decay a contagious disease?

Cavities occur due to a large amount of dental plaque and tartar on the teeth, which erodes the teeth over time, causing damage to the enamel and dentin. This results in the appearance of black spots, black patches, and cavities. However, cavities are not contagious because there are always a large number of bacteria in the mouth due to eating and other reasons, so it is important to develop good brushing habits and the correct technique. Although brushing can remove some dental plaque, its effect is limited. It is best to undergo dental and gum cleaning treatments to significantly improve the removal of dental plaque and eliminate the harm of cavities to the human body.

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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Does tooth decay easily cause bad breath?

Cavities can easily cause bad breath. If there are cavities, food will remain in the holes of the cavities, get stuck, and ultimately compress the gums, and it will be difficult to clean. Foods are prone to ferment and produce acids causing bad odors, and the gums can also become inflamed, and even suppurate, which also produces bad smells. Therefore, if you have cavities, you should go to a regular hospital's dental department and receive targeted treatment under the guidance of a dentist. It is essential to develop good oral hygiene habits, brush your teeth in the morning and evening using the internationally recognized Bass brushing technique, rinse your mouth after meals, learn to use dental floss to remove food residues in tooth gaps, and treat cavities promptly to prevent them from deepening and causing more severe consequences.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Permanent tooth decay

Permanent tooth decay refers to the decay occurring in newly erupted teeth. The most common case is the first permanent molar, also known as the six-year molar, which emerges quietly in the mouth at the age of six. Once this tooth emerges, it cannot be replaced for life. If this tooth decays, it is necessary to fill the tooth as soon as possible; otherwise, if the decay reaches the dental nerve, it could lead to pulpitis. Alternatively, for newly erupted teeth, sealants should be applied to the pits and fissures of the teeth to slow down the pace of decay. Permanent tooth decay requires us to intervene with treatment as early as possible; otherwise, it may cause pain or even tooth loss.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
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Can cavities be brushed with an electric toothbrush?

Cavities can be cleaned using an electric toothbrush. However, if the cavity is severe, the vibrations from the electric toothbrush may cause pain. It is necessary to fill or treat teeth with cavities as soon as possible. Only after treatment can the progression of the cavity be controlled; merely brushing with an electric toothbrush cannot control the development of the cavity. Cavities are a destructive disease caused by bacterial infection of the hard tissues of the teeth. Control over cavities can only be achieved by removing decay and using a drill to remove the infected cavity tissue; an electric toothbrush cannot control the development of cavities.