Upper cheek swelling is an increase in tissue size below the eye and above the jawline. This change can indicate various underlying health issues, from localized infections to widespread inflammatory responses. Understanding its potential origins helps identify when medical attention is necessary.
Dental Conditions
One common origin of upper cheek swelling stems from problems within the oral cavity, particularly those affecting the teeth and gums. A dental abscess occurs when bacteria invade a tooth’s pulp chamber, leading to an infection that can spread into surrounding bone and soft tissues. This localized infection often results in a painful collection of pus, manifesting as swelling in the overlying cheek area.
Gum infections, such as periodontitis, can also contribute to cheek swelling if severe and extending into deeper tissues. While primarily affecting the gum line, advanced cases can lead to inflammation impacting adjacent facial tissues. Similarly, an impacted wisdom tooth can cause inflammation and swelling in the cheek. When a wisdom tooth fails to erupt properly, it can create a pocket where bacteria accumulate, leading to pericoronitis, an infection of the gum tissue. This infection can then extend into the cheek, causing localized swelling and discomfort.
Sinus Conditions
Problems originating in the paranasal sinuses can manifest as swelling in the upper cheek region due to their anatomical proximity. Sinusitis, the inflammation or infection of the sinus cavities, is a frequent culprit. The maxillary sinuses, located directly behind the cheekbones, are susceptible to infection or inflammation. When inflamed, often due to viral infections, bacterial overgrowth, or allergies, they can fill with fluid and mucus, leading to pressure and pain.
The inflammation and fluid buildup within the maxillary sinuses can exert pressure on surrounding tissues, causing noticeable swelling in the overlying upper cheek area. This swelling is often accompanied by other sinusitis symptoms, such as facial pain, pressure, nasal congestion, and sometimes a fever. The close anatomical relationship between the maxillary sinuses and the upper jaw means inflammation in one area can affect the other, leading to cheek swelling.
Skin and Soft Tissue Inflammation
Inflammation affecting the skin and other soft tissues of the face represents another category of causes for upper cheek swelling. Cellulitis, a common bacterial skin infection, occurs when bacteria enter through a break in the skin and spread rapidly through deeper layers. This infection causes the affected area to become red, warm, tender, and swollen, with swelling often spreading quickly across the cheek.
Allergic reactions can also trigger significant facial swelling, known as angioedema. This involves deep swelling beneath the skin, often affecting the lips, eyelids, and cheeks, and can be caused by exposure to allergens like certain foods, medications, or insect bites. The body’s immune response releases histamines and other chemicals, leading to increased fluid leakage from blood vessels into the tissues.
Inflammation of the salivary glands can also cause swelling near the upper cheek. Sialadenitis, an infection or inflammation of the parotid gland, located in front of the ear and extending towards the cheek, can lead to localized swelling and pain. Conditions like mumps, a viral infection, cause swelling in this area, often presenting as an enlargement of the cheek and jawline.
Other Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Less common causes of upper cheek swelling include trauma, which can result in facial bone fractures or significant bruising and hematoma formation that distorts the cheek contour. Cysts or tumors can also develop in facial tissues, leading to localized swelling that may grow slowly over time. These growths can cause persistent or progressively worsening swelling that does not resolve on its own.
Recognizing when upper cheek swelling requires professional medical attention is important. Individuals should seek immediate medical care if the swelling develops rapidly, is accompanied by severe pain, or makes it difficult to breathe or swallow. Additional concerning symptoms include vision changes, such as double vision or decreased sight, which could indicate pressure on the eye. A high fever, rapidly spreading redness, or swelling that does not improve after a few days also warrants prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider.