What to do if you have tooth decay and swollen, painful gums?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on February 28, 2025
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When patients experience dental caries and swollen, painful gums, it is advised that they seek medical attention promptly. They may take some anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to relieve inflammation and pain. After the inflammation has completely subsided, treatment should be based on the extent of damage to the dental caries. If the damage to the dental caries is minor, conservative treatment may be sufficient. However, if the damage is severe, it may affect part of the tooth structure or even the entire tooth and root, possibly leading to cavitation. In such cases, it is recommended that patients consider tooth extraction or filling as remedial measures. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene and develop correct tooth brushing habits. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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How to treat children with dental caries?

To treat cavities in children, first, the extent of tooth decay needs to be assessed. If the decay is mild, the decayed part can be removed and directly filled. If the decay is severe enough to inflame the dental nerve, an X-ray of the tooth is required. If it is a deciduous tooth that is about to fall out soon and is not worth saving, treatment might be unnecessary. However, if the tooth root has not been absorbed and the permanent tooth will take a long time to erupt, root canal treatment can be considered. In cases where a young permanent molar is decayed and the nerve is infected, a vital pulpotomy should be performed to preserve the living pulp and promote further development of the tooth root.

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Does removing a cavity-affected tooth have any impact?

Cavities, also commonly referred to as tooth decay, can impact daily life depending on the situation. Generally, if the cavity is not severe, extraction is not necessary, and treatment should be attempted if possible. However, extraction can be harmful, as it creates a gap. The teeth adjacent to this gap can be affected, leading to tilting towards the gap or becoming loose, which may impact how the teeth come together when biting. The body has a protective mechanism that can automatically close this space, but although this closes the gap, it may destabilize the overall bite alignment and function, potentially affecting the temporomandibular joint function. Therefore, if tooth decay occurs, it is advised to seek prompt treatment at a formal dental hospital or a major hospital’s dental pulp department, where the decayed and necrotic tissue can be removed and the cavity filled to restore the shape of the tooth crown and some of the biting function.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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How to brush teeth with cavities

Cavities are a disease caused by bacterial infection of the hard tissues of the teeth, belonging to a type of self-destructive and infectious disease, and cavities need to be treated in a timely manner. When brushing teeth with cavities, it is especially important to brush thoroughly. Fluoride toothpaste can be used to clean each surface of the teeth, including the occlusal, buccal, lingual, and the insides of the teeth. Sometimes it is difficult for the bristles to reach the inside of the teeth, in which case an interdental brush or dental floss can be used to clean these areas to prevent the occurrence of cavities inside the teeth. Besides brushing, it is also necessary to fill the teeth promptly, also known as dental filling.

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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 Cui
Dentistry
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Is tooth sensitivity caused by exposed nerves?

When a patient has dental caries, it can cause some damage to the gum tissue, resulting in the gums being in a state of acute inflammation. At this time, the gums may be particularly sensitive, especially to hot and cold stimuli, but this does not necessarily mean that the nerves in the gums are exposed. It is recommended that patients pay attention to a light diet and avoid overly hot or spicy foods, as well as hard foods that may irritate the sensitive gum tissue, leading to discomfort. Therefore, patients are advised to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and drink plenty of water. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to develop healthy oral hygiene habits. It is recommended that patients visit the hospital in a timely manner for consultation, and receive specific treatment plans based on the extent of the damage caused by the caries.