Cheek swelling can occur for many reasons, from minor facial trauma to infections or serious underlying health problems. Swelling can be not only uncomfortable, but it can also be noticeable to others.
A person may notice swelling in one or both cheeks and inside the mouth. The location of the swelling can help a doctor determine the problem.
Why cheek swelling may occur:
Sometimes the swelling is unilateral, meaning it only occurs on one side of the face, while other times it is bilateral, meaning both sides of the face are affected.
Causes that can lead to swelling in one cheek include:
- facial trauma;
- tooth abscess;
- sialolithiasis (salivary stone disease);
- bacterial cellulitis;
- salivary gland cancer;
- lymphadenitis;
- swelling of the lymph nodes, usually due to infection;
- hypothyroidism;
- Cushing’s syndrome;
- Sjögren’s syndrome;
- mumps (mumps);
- angioedema;
- sinusitis;
- pericoronitis;
- complications after tooth extraction.
Let’s consider cases related to cheek swelling, which are provoked by problems with the teeth and oral cavity.
Tooth abscess
A tooth abscess is a focus of pus caused by a bacterial infection. An abscess can occur in different areas near the tooth for various reasons. A periapical abscess occurs at the top of the root. A periodontal abscess occurs in the gums on the side of the tooth root.
An abscess usually results from tooth decay, a common oral condition that occurs due to the presence of acids that destroy tooth enamel. Untreated tooth decay can lead to an infection around the root of the tooth. This infection occurs when bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth, which can happen if you have a cracked tooth or a large cavity that has not been treated. If the infection becomes more severe, a pocket of pus called an abscess may form, causing swelling.
Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
- severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that may spread to the jaw, neck, or ear;
- pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures;
- pain or discomfort from pressure when chewing or biting;
- fever;
- swelling of the face, cheeks, or neck, which may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing;tender, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or
- in the neck;
- bad breath;
- sudden onset of a foul odor and taste, or a salty liquid in the mouth;
- pain relief if the abscess ruptures.
Dentists will treat a tooth abscess by draining it and getting rid of the infection. They may be able to save your tooth with a root canal treatment. But in some cases, tooth extraction may be necessary.
Timely treatment is important to prevent the spread of pus to surrounding vital structures and serious complications.
Mumps
The salivary glands are a group of organs present in the mouth that secrete saliva. There are three pairs of glands through which the main part of saliva is secreted. These glands are parotid, submandibular and sublingual. The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands. They are located inside each of our cheeks.
Mumps is an acute viral infection that is accompanied by inflammation of the salivary glands, the nervous system and leads to intoxication of the entire body. The popular name for the disease is mumps. Epidemic parotitis is most often called “mumps” by the people because the patient’s face becomes puffy. One of the symptoms of the disease is inflammation of the parotid, submandibular, sublingual salivary glands, their swelling and soreness.
Salivary gland stones
Salivary gland stones are calcium deposits that form in the salivary glands. Another name for this condition is sialolithiasis. Salivary stones most often affect people between the ages of 30 and 60. The exact cause of salivary stones is unknown. However, they can form when bacteria and food particles get stuck in the salivary glands. If a person is not treated, the stones can block the salivary duct and lead to infection.
Symptoms of an infected salivary gland may include:
- swelling of one cheek
- tenderness or pain in the area
- difficulty or pain when chewing or talking
- foul-tasting discharge from the infected gland
- fever
A maxillofacial surgeon treats this condition. The right treatment depends on the size and number of stones. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and pain. If an infection develops, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. If one or more stones are large, surgical removal may be necessary.
Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is a painful condition that occurs in people when their wisdom teeth erupt, and can cause swelling in the cheek. Pericoronitis can sometimes cause severe pain. It is best to see a dental surgeon for treatment. The patient may be advised to have their wisdom teeth removed.
Complications after tooth extraction
Swelling in the cheek can occur as a normal reaction to tooth extraction, especially a wisdom tooth, but it can also be a symptom of a complication. For example, tissue injury may have occurred during the tooth extraction. This swelling usually goes away after a couple of days. A reaction to anesthesia can also cause swelling.
However, if, in addition to swelling, there is severe pain, fever, and purulent discharge, this may indicate an infection. In this case, you should see a doctor.
Swelling can occur in response to tissue trauma during surgery. It is usually accompanied by mild discomfort and resolves within a few days.
If the swelling is accompanied by severe pain, fever, or pus, it may be a sign of an infection at the site of the tooth extraction.
When to see a doctor immediately
A person should seek immediate medical attention if sudden swelling of the cheek is accompanied by:
- swelling of the face, lips, or tongue;
- a skin rash;
- difficulty breathing or swallowing;
- dizziness.
Prevention
In some cases, cheek swelling is the result of poor dental hygiene, which can lead to infection. It is very important to brush your teeth twice a day and follow all other dental hygiene recommendations.
There are many possible causes of swelling in one or both cheeks, and some are more serious than others. It is advisable to consult a doctor or dentist, especially if the swelling is sudden, severe, or lasts more than a few days.
Home remedies for swollen cheeks
If you have swollen cheeks, you may want to ask if there is anything you can do at home to make yourself more comfortable.
Raising the head of your bed or propping your head up with extra pillows can help reduce facial swelling. If the swelling has occurred after an injury, you can apply a cold compress.
However, home remedies are often not enough. For example, an oral infection, such as a tooth abscess, is a serious condition and can cause problems in other parts of the body. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek medical attention to relieve shock swelling.
Swollen cheeks can be uncomfortable, and they can be caused by many different conditions. If you are concerned about swelling in your cheeks, contact the dentists at YAREMA DENTAL.