Dental Infection
Facial Swelling from a Tooth
Swelling of the cheek, jaw, or gums along with a toothache usually means an infection that needs prompt care. Call us right away, and know the signs that make it a true emergency.
Seen right away
Swelling with a toothache moves to the front of our schedule.
We find the source
We identify the tooth behind the swelling and treat it directly.
Complete treatment
Pressure relieved, infection cleared, and the tooth cared for.
When Swelling Is an Emergency
Call us right away for facial or jaw swelling with a toothache. Most cases can be treated quickly once we find the source, but some swelling needs emergency medical care first.
Call 911 or go to the ER if you see:
What to Do While You Arrange Care
A few simple steps keep your child comfortable and avoid making it worse.
- 1
Keep them upright & calm
Sitting up eases pressure and helps your child stay comfortable.
- 2
Cold, never heat
A cold compress on the outside of the cheek eases swelling. Heat can help an infection spread.
- 3
Fluids & pain relief
Offer water and an age-appropriate children's pain reliever.
- 4
Don't drain it yourself
Never press or try to pop the area. Leave that to us.
Why Swelling Means Don't Wait
Swelling means the infection has moved beyond the tooth into the surrounding tissue, and from there it can keep spreading to the jaw, face, and in rare cases beyond. It will not settle on its own. Prompt care turns a scary afternoon into a treated infection and a comfortable child.
How We Treat It
We'll identify the source of the infection, relieve the pressure, and treat the tooth, often with antibiotics and follow-up care such as pulp therapy or removing the tooth if it can't be saved. Getting your child seen quickly is the priority, and we'll keep them comfortable throughout.
Swelling looks frightening, but it has a clear cause and a clear fix. Call us, and we'll take it from here.
Where to Find Us in West Jordan
Our Southpoint office sits near 9000 South and 1300 West in West Jordan, just east of Redwood Road and about a mile east of Bangerter Highway. We're minutes from Gardner Village, Veterans Memorial Park, and Jordan Valley Medical Center, with free parking right out front.
Wasatch Pediatrics Dentistry & Orthodontics: Southpoint 9071 S 1300 W Suite 100 West Jordan, UT 84088 (801) 676-3700 Call to BookAlso Serving Families Near West Jordan
Just outside West Jordan? We welcome patients from across Salt Lake County.
Common Questions About Facial Swelling
Is facial swelling always serious?
It always deserves prompt attention. Swelling that spreads quickly, reaches the eye, or comes with fever or trouble breathing or swallowing is an emergency, so seek medical care immediately.
Should I use heat or cold on the swelling?
Use cold on the outside of the cheek, never heat. Heat can encourage an infection to spread. Then call us right away.
What usually causes the swelling?
Most often a tooth abscess, an infection at the root of a tooth from an untreated cavity, crack, or injury. Treating that tooth is what resolves the swelling.