Toothache & Pain

Severe Tooth Pain

Strong, lingering tooth pain is your child's body asking for help. Here's how to ease it right now, and why a prompt visit is the only way to truly make it stop.

All Dental Emergencies

How to Ease the Pain Right Now

These steps help until we can see your child.

Rinse & floss gently

Warm water and gentle flossing clear trapped food that can make pain worse.

Cold compress

On the outside of the cheek to calm the ache and any swelling.

Children's pain reliever

An age-appropriate dose helps. Never place aspirin on the gums.

Call us

Phone (801) 676-3700 and we'll get your child in for same-day relief.

Same-day relief

A child in real pain gets priority in our schedule.

We treat the source

Severe pain has a cause, and fixing it is what ends the ache.

Gentle, numb, calm

Comfort comes first, with sedation available when it helps.

Why Severe Pain Shouldn't Wait

Persistent, severe pain often signals a deep cavity, an exposed nerve, or an infection that won't get better on its own. Seeing us promptly relieves the pain and prevents the problem, and the cost, from growing.

Pain that suddenly stops isn't all-clear

It can mean the nerve has died while the problem quietly continues. Have the tooth checked either way.

How We Find and Fix the Cause

We'll gently examine your child, take an image if needed, and treat the source, whether that means a filling, pulp therapy, or other care. Comfort comes first, and we offer sedation when it helps.

When to Treat It as Urgent

Any child with strong pain that lingers, wakes them at night, or comes with fever or swelling should be seen the same day. Pain with facial swelling can mean the infection is spreading, so don't wait on that combination. And if you're simply not sure, call. We'd rather help you decide than have your child hurt overnight.

Tooth pain always has a cause, and finding it is what we do. Your child can feel better today.

Common questions

Can I give my child pain medicine before the visit?

Yes, an age-appropriate dose of children's pain reliever is fine. Do not place aspirin on the gums, as it can burn the tissue. Call us for guidance.

The pain went away on its own. Are we okay?

Not necessarily. Pain that stops can mean the nerve is dying, which still needs treatment. Please have the tooth checked.

What if the pain comes with swelling or fever?

Call us right away. That combination can mean an infection is spreading and needs same-day care.

Where to go next

Cavity Pain Pain from decay.

Tooth Abscess Infection that needs urgent care.

Pulp Therapy Treat an affected nerve.

Same-Day Appointments Urgent care today.

Need to be seen?

Call your office first — most dental emergencies are seen the same day.

Schedule an appointment

All Dental Emergencies · Dentistry & Orthodontics