Whether you know what is causing it or not, a swollen face can be very alarming. If you notice your cheeks have become full and puffy, it is important to seek assistance from your emergency dentist. Here are a few common causes of facial swelling, and why you should never ignore it!
Causes of Facial Swelling
There are many different reasons why your face may become swollen, but almost all of them warrant a trip to the dentist. These include:
- Salivary Gland Infection: Your cheeks are home to a large pair of salivary glands known as the parotid glands. If infected, they can become swollen and make your cheeks swell too. Though this infection can occur in only one gland, if it affects both it is known as parotitis.
- Tooth Abscess: While an abscess typically affects the pulp of your tooth, they can often cause your cheek to swell, too. They can also be accompanied by fever, pain, tooth sensitivity, or a bad taste in your mouth.
- Angioedema: this skin reaction is caused by food allergies, medications, and other common allergens such as pollen. It can also cause swelling around your eyes, lips, and cheeks, and the areas affected may also be red, painful or warm.
- Sinus Infection: sinus infections can cause facial swelling, but thankfully they will usually go away on their own. They can occur following a cold or flu, and can also cause headaches, fever, a blocked nose, and tooth pain.
- Injury: If you have suffered trauma to your face, it could also cause swelling. Even if a swollen cheek appears to be the extent of the injury, you should still be seen by your dentist just to be sure your teeth and gums weren’t injured, too.
What to Do If Your Cheeks Are Swollen
If you notice unexplained swelling, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, as this could be the sign of an infection, which is considered a dental emergency. Don’t wait around and see if the swelling gets worse or goes away on its own, as often these types of infections can worsen if left untreated.
Remember, there are many things that could be causing your face to swell, but it is very important that you treat it seriously and see your emergency dentist as soon as possible.
About Our Practice
At Milton Hill Dental, we understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time. That’s why we offer same-day appointments for urgent oral health problems. If you are experiencing facial swelling or any other dental problem, don’t wait and see if it gets better on its own. Contact us today by calling 617-696-4800 or by visiting our website.