When your tooth enamel is damaged, the inner layer gets exposed, and dental decay can start. Cavities are one of many problems.  Teeth with damaged tooth enamel can react to extreme heat or cold. Eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee can be painful or at least unpleasant.

What do you do if a tooth is hurting you?

If your tooth is hurting and you can not see a dentist immediately, you can try a few things at home before seeing your dentist. You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water, use over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. However, if the pain persists or worsens, scheduling an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible is essential. The dentist can diagnose the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate it.