When faced with a dental problem or emergency, you should ideally visit a dentist before trying anything. However, that dormant cavity may decide to become active at the most awkward time when you can’t access a dentist immediately. Or perhaps the previous filling has fallen off causing you great pain and misery. It’s, therefore, a good idea to know what you can do in case of such an emergency.
Why a Homemade Tooth Filling?
Unfortunately, even with the best efforts at keeping them healthy, our teeth are not indestructible. Injury to the mouth can easily come with an array of dental problems ranging from a broken or chipped tooth to a completely damaged tooth. The worst case is when you suddenly discover you have a painful cavity when no dentist is available and you have to wait until the morning to seek help.
While it’s always recommended that you visit your dentist before trying anything, sometimes crafting a homemade tooth filling may protect you until you see the dentist.
How To Make a Temporary Tooth Filling
If you cannot afford a dental visit or hate visiting the dentist, there are several options available when it comes to making a temporary homemade tooth filling.
Option 1:
Things you will need:
- 1/8 tsp. Zinc Oxide powder
- 1 drop of Eugenol clove oil
- Alternatively, you can also use wild Oregano Oil
You can get easily buy Zinc Oxide powder at your local pharmacy. Mix the two until it becomes a thick putty. Ensure the tooth is dry and using a rounded toothpick, tamp the putty into the cavity as hard as possible.
After tamping the putty, floss down and pull through without lifting the floss back up as it can catch and pull out the new filling. For the remaining putty, put a piece of plastic wrap over as it will prevent it from drying out. You can use it again and again until you get professional dental help.
Option 2:
Things you will need:
- Mild hand soap and hand towel
- Tweezers and eyedropper
- 1/8-inch cotton pellet
- Toothache drop medicine that contains Benzocaine and Eugenol
- Orthodontic wax.
Use the treated orthodontic wax to cover the filling. Carefully squeeze it down and around the tooth’s base to hold the new filling in place. You may replace the filling after every 12 hours until when you are able to visit the dentist.
Conclusion
Sometimes, a broken or chipped tooth can be easily repaired before it grows into a cavity. Taking too long only increases the possibility of further deterioration (the nerve of the tooth can die). Some drug stores do have kits packs which can be used to plug up the tooth. But, the bottom line is that whatever Do-It-Yourself method you have employed, make sure that you get to the dentist at the earliest possible.
Author: Peter Mayhew
Peter is a dental hygienist in the city of Chicago, IL. In his free time he likes to write blogs and product reviews on anything dental health related.
Awesome suggestions thanks Doc. I accidentally bit on a piece of steak and pulled out my filling while eating. However, there is not any pain quite yet but I fear there will be very soon.
Will this stuff work to fill the cavities that herpies left in my vagina? I’m walking around and it looks like a trail of bacon bits are falling out of my skirt and onto the floor. I need help.