Inner cheek swelling describes any enlargement or puffiness inside the mouth. This symptom can develop gradually or appear suddenly, causing discomfort. Understanding the various causes is helpful for individuals experiencing this common issue.
Common Reasons for Swelling
Trauma or injury is a common cause of inner cheek swelling. Accidental cheek biting during eating is a frequent example, leading to temporary puffiness. Dental procedures, such as anesthetic injections, can also result in swelling at the injection site. Blunt force trauma to the face may damage soft tissues, causing pain and swelling within the cheek.
Minor infections often contribute to inner cheek swelling. Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are common mouth sores that can appear on the inner cheeks, causing pain and sometimes blisters. Viral infections, like the common cold or flu, can lead to mild swelling from inflamed tissues or lymph nodes. Localized bacterial infections, such as those from minor cuts or abrasions inside the mouth, can also cause swelling.
Dental issues commonly contribute to inner cheek swelling. An early-stage dental abscess, a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection, can form at the tooth root or gums, resulting in pain and swelling. Gum inflammation (gingivitis) can also cause localized swelling that may extend to the cheek tissue. The eruption of wisdom teeth sometimes leads to pericoronitis, an infection of the gum tissue around a partially emerged wisdom tooth, affecting the adjacent cheek.
Allergic reactions can cause swelling inside the cheek. Angioedema, a type of allergic reaction, causes tissue swelling beneath the skin, affecting the lips, tongue, and cheeks. This reaction can be triggered by various allergens, including foods, medications, or environmental factors like pollen. Contact stomatitis, an allergic reaction to substances like dental products or certain foods, can also lead to redness and swelling of the oral mucosa.
Salivary gland issues can also cause swelling in the inner cheek area. Mucoceles are fluid-filled cysts that form when a minor salivary gland duct is blocked or damaged, often due to trauma. These typically appear as smooth, soft, painless lumps. Ranulas are a specific type of mucocele that occur under the tongue from the sublingual gland.
Other Potential Causes
Less common, but serious, conditions can also cause inner cheek swelling. Systemic conditions, such as autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, can cause enlarged salivary glands, leading to a puffy appearance. Mumps, a viral infection, causes painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands in the cheeks. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, can also lead to facial puffiness, including the cheeks.
Severe infections are another less common cause. Cellulitis, a serious bacterial infection of the deeper skin layers, can affect the face, resulting in significant, warm, and red swelling. Severe dental abscesses that spread beyond the tooth’s immediate area can lead to widespread facial swelling and pose a risk of systemic infection.
Cysts and tumors, though less common, can also cause inner cheek swelling. Benign cysts, such as epidermoid or odontogenic cysts, can form within the jaw or soft tissues of the mouth, causing localized swelling. While rare, malignant growths (cancers) of the salivary glands or oral tissues can also cause swelling, sometimes accompanied by numbness or facial weakness.
Nutritional deficiencies can, in rare cases, contribute to oral swelling. Severe vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) can lead to gum swelling that might extend to the cheeks. Deficiencies in B vitamins, such as riboflavin (B2) or pyridoxine (B6), have been associated with mouth ulcers and inflammation involving the inner cheek lining.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seek medical attention if inner cheek swelling is severe, rapidly worsens, or obstructs breathing or swallowing. These symptoms indicate a serious underlying condition requiring immediate evaluation.
Consult a healthcare professional if the swelling is accompanied by a high fever, chills, or widespread redness and warmth, as these may signal a spreading infection like cellulitis. Persistent swelling that doesn’t improve within days, or swelling without a clear cause, warrants medical assessment. Severe pain, the presence of pus, a foul odor, or recurrent episodes of swelling should also prompt a visit to a doctor or dentist.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing inner cheek swelling involves a physical examination of the oral cavity and surrounding facial structures. A healthcare professional will also inquire about the patient’s medical history, including the onset and progression of swelling, associated symptoms, allergies, and current medications.
Depending on initial findings, further diagnostic tests may be ordered. These can include dental imaging like X-rays for abscesses or impacted teeth, or advanced imaging like CT scans or MRIs for evaluating cysts, tumors, or deeper infections. Blood tests might be conducted to check for signs of infection or systemic conditions. In some instances, a biopsy of the swollen tissue may be performed to analyze cells for abnormalities.
Management strategies for inner cheek swelling vary depending on the diagnosed cause. Bacterial infections, such as dental abscesses or cellulitis, are typically treated with antibiotics. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce swelling and discomfort. Dental procedures, ranging from draining an abscess to root canal therapy or tooth extraction, are common interventions for dental-related swelling. In rare cases involving large cysts or tumors, surgical intervention may be necessary for removal.