A swollen cheek often indicates an underlying issue, ranging from minor to significant health concerns. Knowing the potential causes helps determine appropriate next steps. This article explores various causes of a swollen right cheek and provides guidance on when medical attention may be necessary.
Common Reasons for Swelling
Dental issues are frequent causes of unilateral cheek swelling. A tooth abscess, an infection, can cause swelling around the affected tooth and cheek. Untreated tooth decay or gum disease can allow bacteria to enter the tooth’s pulp, forming an abscess and causing pain and swelling. Wisdom teeth can also cause swelling if they are erupting or become infected, known as pericoronitis.
Other infections frequently cause cheek swelling. Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can cause swollen cheeks that feel warm. Sinus infections (sinusitis) can also lead to swelling around the eyes and cheeks, often with congestion and headaches. Viral infections like mumps target salivary glands, causing swelling on one or both sides of the face. Lymph nodes in the neck can also swell in response to localized infections, sometimes contributing to cheek swelling.
Physical injuries or trauma to the face can cause swelling. Impacts from falls, accidents, or blunt force can damage tissues and bones. Swelling is a natural response as the body sends fluids to the injured area for healing. Even minor injuries can cause swelling.
Allergic reactions can cause rapid cheek swelling. Exposure to allergens like certain foods, insect bites, or medications cause the immune system to release chemicals, leading to fluid buildup.
Salivary gland issues can also cause cheek swelling. The parotid glands, in front of and below each ear, are prone to swelling. Conditions like sialadenitis, an infection often due to a blocked duct, can cause a painful lump and swelling. Salivary stones (sialolithiasis) are mineral deposits that can block ducts, causing saliva to back up and painful swelling, especially when eating.
When to Seek Medical Care
While some cheek swelling resolves on its own, certain symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. Rapidly worsening or sudden swelling, particularly if it appears without an obvious cause or is accompanied by severe pain, warrants attention.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing require immediate medical attention, as they can indicate a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or a deep-seated infection of the airway. Fever, chills, or other systemic signs of infection, like redness and warmth over the swollen area, suggest an infection requiring treatment. Swelling that spreads to other areas of the face or neck is also concerning.
Vision changes, such as blurry vision, warrant medical attention. If the swelling follows a significant injury, especially one involving fracture or deep tissue damage, seek medical assessment. If cheek swelling persists for more than a few days or worsens despite home remedies, consult a doctor or dentist.
Less Common Causes
Beyond common reasons, less common conditions may also cause cheek swelling. Cysts or tumors can present as persistent or growing swelling. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form under the skin or around tooth roots, while tumors are abnormal tissue growth. Most cysts and tumors are benign and slow-growing, but they can cause swelling if they become large or inflamed.
Autoimmune conditions can cause facial swelling as part of an inflammatory response. Diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome or sarcoidosis can cause inflammation and swelling in various body parts, including the face and salivary glands. In these cases, swelling results from the immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues.
Angioedema is deeper swelling beneath the skin, often related to allergic reactions or medication side effects (e.g., ACE inhibitors). Unlike hives, angioedema involves deeper tissues and may not itch. While often triggered by allergens, it can also occur without a clear cause. Angioedema can affect the face, lips, and tongue; if it impacts the throat, it can become a medical emergency due to potential airway obstruction.
What to Expect at a Medical Appointment
When seeking medical care for a swollen cheek, the healthcare provider will take a comprehensive medical history. They will ask about the swelling’s onset, associated symptoms like pain or fever, recent injuries, and your dental history. A physical examination of the affected area will follow, often involving palpation of the cheek, jaw, and neck to assess swelling. The doctor may also examine your mouth and throat.
To determine the underlying cause, various diagnostic tests may be used. Blood tests can help identify signs of infection or inflammation. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, may be ordered to visualize internal structures of the face, jaw, and teeth, helping to detect abscesses, blockages, or abnormal growths. For suspected dental issues, a dental examination and X-rays are often performed.
Once a diagnosis is established, treatment approaches vary depending on the cause. For infections, antibiotics are commonly prescribed. Anti-inflammatory medications may be used to reduce swelling and pain. If an abscess or fluid collection is present, drainage may be necessary.
In cases of allergic reactions, antihistamines or corticosteroids can help manage the immune response and reduce swelling. Depending on the diagnosis, a referral to a specialist, such as a dentist, oral surgeon, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, may be recommended for further management or surgery.