Cheek swelling is an enlargement of one or both sides of the face, often indicating an underlying issue. This symptom is frequently encountered and can arise from a wide range of conditions affecting various tissues and structures within the head and neck. Understanding its potential origins helps recognize when to seek appropriate care.
Dental Issues
Cheek swelling often originates from dental issues, particularly infections affecting the teeth or gums. A tooth abscess, for instance, involves a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection within the tooth or surrounding tissues. A periapical abscess forms at the tip of the tooth root, while a periodontal abscess develops in the gum tissue next to a tooth. Both lead to localized swelling in the cheek area. These infections often present with intense, throbbing pain, sensitivity to temperature changes, and sometimes a foul taste in the mouth or fever.
Impacted wisdom teeth, molars that do not fully emerge, frequently contribute to cheek swelling. The pressure exerted by an impacted tooth can cause inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue, a condition known as pericoronitis. This inflammation can lead to pain and visible swelling. In some instances, a cyst can form around an impacted tooth, further contributing to swelling and discomfort.
Advanced gum disease, specifically periodontitis, represents a severe infection of the gums and supporting bone structures. As bacteria accumulate and inflammation progresses, pockets can form around the teeth, leading to localized pus formation and swelling that may extend to the cheek. Similarly, untreated tooth decay can progress deeply into the tooth, reaching the pulp chamber where nerves and blood vessels reside. If this pulp becomes infected, the infection can spread beyond the tooth’s root, causing an abscess that manifests as swelling in the adjacent cheek.
Non-Dental Infections
Cheek swelling can also stem from infections unrelated to the teeth or gums, affecting other structures in the facial region. Sinus infections, known as sinusitis, frequently involve the maxillary sinuses located directly behind the cheeks. When these air-filled cavities become inflamed and infected, pressure and fluid buildup can cause tenderness and swelling in the cheek. This is often accompanied by nasal congestion, facial pain, and discharge from the nose.
Salivary gland infections, or sialadenitis, affect the glands responsible for producing saliva, such as the parotid glands near the ears and cheeks, or the submandibular glands under the jaw. Bacterial or viral infections of these glands can lead to noticeable swelling, pain, and sometimes fever, particularly during eating. A well-known viral cause affecting these glands is mumps, which typically causes swelling in the parotid glands on one or both sides of the face.
Cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying soft tissues, can also result in significant cheek swelling. This condition occurs when bacteria enter the skin through a break, such as a cut or scratch. Cellulitis typically causes a rapidly spreading area of redness, warmth, and tenderness on the cheek, and the swelling can become pronounced as the infection progresses.
Trauma and Allergic Reactions
Physical injury to the face is another direct cause of cheek swelling, distinct from infectious processes. A direct blow, a fall, or an accident can result in trauma to the cheek area, leading to immediate swelling. This swelling occurs due to bruising, which is the leakage of blood from damaged capillaries into surrounding tissues, or from internal bleeding. In more severe cases, a fracture of the underlying facial bones can also contribute to the swelling, which is generally localized to the site of impact.
Allergic reactions can trigger a rapid and sometimes widespread swelling of the cheek. This reaction, known as angioedema, involves the body’s immune system releasing chemicals that cause fluid to accumulate beneath the skin. Common triggers include insect bites or stings, certain foods, or medications. Allergic swelling can appear quickly, sometimes accompanied by itching, hives (itchy red welts on the skin), or, in severe cases, difficulty breathing, which signals a serious systemic reaction.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Certain symptoms accompanying cheek swelling warrant prompt medical attention to prevent complications. Seek immediate care if the swelling develops rapidly, if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if you have severe pain. A high fever, changes in vision, or any facial swelling following a head trauma are also concerning signs that require urgent evaluation.
Persistent cheek swelling that does not improve within a few days, or swelling accompanied by any concerning symptoms like those mentioned, should be assessed by a healthcare professional. An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause is necessary to ensure appropriate and timely treatment.