You might accurately assume that you should contact your emergency dentist right away if you have a severe or persistent toothache or lose a tooth or restoration. However, if you have noticed your face feels swollen and sore, you might wonder whether it needs to be addressed immediately.
There are several reasons you might experience distended cheeks, and some are more serious than others. Continue reading to learn about 3 potential causes and how your dentist can help!
Concern #1: Tooth Abscess
Brushing and flossing are essential to preventing issues like cavities and gum disease, but there’s no guarantee that you will never develop a problem. For instance, bacteria in your mouth can enter your gums around the root of a tooth. From there, they can cause an infection that presents with a small, painful, fluid-filled sac called an abscess.
Dental infections don’t typically resolve themselves, and the longer you wait to be seen, the more likely the it is to enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body. It can contribute to other serious medical concerns like diabetes, heart problems, or even sepsis, which can be fatal. Call your dentist immediately so they can treat the infection before it spreads.
Concern #2: Salivary Gland Infection
Saliva is your body’s natural defense system against oral issues because it keeps your mouth moist and rinses away unwanted bacteria, leftover food, and other debris. Plus, it has a nearly neutral pH balance to prevent acid damage to your enamel.
The glands that produce your spit are located in your head, neck, and mouth. You might experience severe facial pain and swelling if they become infected. This can be caused by dehydration, excess mucus, a salivary stone, malnutrition, or another illness that blocks the duct like the flu.
Depending on your condition, your dentist may be able to treat it with antibiotics. Otherwise, they’ll refer you to an appropriate ear, nose, and throat doctor.
Concern #3: Hypothyroidism
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate major bodily systems like your metabolism, growth, heart rate, and body temperature.
Patients who suffer from hypothyroidism have an underactive gland and can experience a swollen, puffy face along with other symptoms, like depression, constipation, fatigue, stiff joins or muscles, slow heart rate, or weight gain.
Your sore, swollen face may be caused by a dental problem, but your provider will refer you to the right doctor if necessary.
Meet the Author
Dr. Durga Buchupally enjoys building relationships with patients so she can customize treatments that help them build happy, healthy smiles. She earned her dental degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Today, she’s an active member of the American Dental Association and other professional organizations, so you know your grin is in good hands. She provides a comprehensive array of services under one roof and offers same-day and extended hours for emergencies so that you don’t have to wait for relief. You can request an appointment on the website or call (817) 464-8655.