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The pain caused by caries can be controlled with nonprescription analgesics. The most widely indicated are those containing acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. This active principle has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Other useful agents are paracetamol and ibuprofen. All three are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications are recommended for short-term treatment. Before taking them, a physician should be consulted. This is especially important for pregnant women, children and anyone suffering from specific medical disorders.
One remedy for pain relief is cold, and applying an ice pack to the painful area anesthetizes the nerve endings. Lying down is not recommended because it increases blood pressure in the head and worsens the pain. Instead, the head should be kept raised to diminish pain.
It is also important not to touch the caries with a toothpick or a toothbrush.
Caries should be treated by a dentist. Usually, the dentist removes the affected tooth area and replaces it with restorative material.
The filling material can be made of:
- Amalgam. This is an alloy containing 65% silver. While it is resistant and economical, it is also cosmetically unattractive.
- Cement. This material is made of neutral color plastic resins resembling the color of the teeth. The hardness and resistance of the cement varies, depending on the tooth being filled. The posterior teeth that grind the food require more resistant fillings.
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