“How do you manage a cavity when you can't see a dentist?”
I am a 33 year old male. I know I have a cavity but my dental office is closed. How do you manage a cavity when you can't see a dentist?
6 Answers
Hello,
Managing a cavity when you can not see a dentist can be a bit like riding a bull (just along for the ride trying to hang on). The answer to this question really depends on the severity of the cavity. A small cavity is something that most people would not notice. There is no pain or sensitivity and most people only find out about it when a dentist tells them. Managing this type of cavity requires good oral hygiene. Brushing twice per day, flossing daily, and a fluoride mouth rinse would help. This can slow things down, but ultimately the cavity needs to be removed. A bigger cavity that is causing discomfort requires more attention. While brushing and flossing is a good idea it may need to be foregone due to increased discomfort. In this case, managing the symptoms (discomfort) of the cavity takes priority. Warm salt water rinses tend to help with inflammation and infection control. Sometimes over the counter topical anesthetics such as orajel help relieve the pain; however, it is only a temporary situation.
Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
Managing a cavity when you can not see a dentist can be a bit like riding a bull (just along for the ride trying to hang on). The answer to this question really depends on the severity of the cavity. A small cavity is something that most people would not notice. There is no pain or sensitivity and most people only find out about it when a dentist tells them. Managing this type of cavity requires good oral hygiene. Brushing twice per day, flossing daily, and a fluoride mouth rinse would help. This can slow things down, but ultimately the cavity needs to be removed. A bigger cavity that is causing discomfort requires more attention. While brushing and flossing is a good idea it may need to be foregone due to increased discomfort. In this case, managing the symptoms (discomfort) of the cavity takes priority. Warm salt water rinses tend to help with inflammation and infection control. Sometimes over the counter topical anesthetics such as orajel help relieve the pain; however, it is only a temporary situation.
Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
Keep the area as clean as possible especially before bed, flossing or using a waterpik helps, see your Dr. as soon as is possible.
Hi,
Avoid sweets and sugary products, try a fluoride mouthwash so cavity does not get bigger. If there is a big cavity, you can put Den-temp filling at Walgreens or Walmart and place into hole so air and food don’t get in it.
Avoid sweets and sugary products, try a fluoride mouthwash so cavity does not get bigger. If there is a big cavity, you can put Den-temp filling at Walgreens or Walmart and place into hole so air and food don’t get in it.
You can buy a temporary filled at your local pharmacy, but you need to see your dentist as soon as they open.
Unfortunately there is nothing you can do but to take care of it by a dentist, but since you can’t see one now due to pandemic, make sure to keep the tooth clean, by flossing and brushing after each meal, avoid sugary food to prevent sensitivity and pain, since once there is a cavity sweets will cause pain, and schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as they open.
Hopefully, the cavity is small enough that it doesn't cause a toothache. As long as this is not the case, it is best to just to your part to keep the tooth, and your whole mouth, clean.
This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and I like to recommend that my patients use a mouthwash to further help keep bacteria out of the mouth. I recommend the brand Act because their mouthwash has fluoride in it, which will help strengthen the enamel of tooth to prevent the cavity from growing more.
This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and I like to recommend that my patients use a mouthwash to further help keep bacteria out of the mouth. I recommend the brand Act because their mouthwash has fluoride in it, which will help strengthen the enamel of tooth to prevent the cavity from growing more.
