Treatment Options For Swollen Cheeks
Treatment can include a number of options that depend on the cause of the swelling. You should access treatment as soon as possible. If you are also experiencing symptoms of toothache or sensitivity, this may be dental related and can be examined by our team of dental practitioners. If you feel that the swelling is more generalised, you should seek immediate treatment from a medical practitioner.
All Information provided for education and research information only and is subject to our Disclaimer
Why Calling A Dentist Is Typically The Best Option
Dentists are specifically trained to treat issues related to the mouth, including facial swelling. Not only can you get a proper diagnosis, but you can also begin the treatment you need to stop the emergency from getting worse and get your oral health back on track. With that said, its not unreasonable to assume that a visit to the emergency room would be an appropriate option.
Unfortunately, many emergency rooms are not equipped to handle dental emergencies because they dont have a dentist onsite to diagnose you or provide treatment. As a result, they are likely to give you painkillers and antibiotics, then tell you to visit a dentist anyway. This wastes precious time, money, and does nothing to address the root cause of the emergency in the first place. The only time it would make sense to go to the emergency room first is if your jaw is fractured or dislocated, you have serious cuts or lacerations on the face or mouth, or the infection is affecting your ability to breathe due to heavy swelling.
Facial swelling can not only be very serious, but worsen without the right professional care. If youre experiencing facial swelling, dont wait another moment to call an emergency dentist for help!
Reasons For Toothache May Include:
- Tooth decay when bacteria wears down tooth enamel, this can expose the more sensitive dentine layer underneath
- Gum disease if gingivitis develops into more severe gum disease, this can cause the gums to recede and teeth to ache and come loose
- Root canal infection if tooth decay or other damage reaches the soft centre of the tooth , this can cause severe tooth pain and sensitivity
- Chipped or cracked tooth injuries to teeth can cause pain and sensitivity and may leave the tooth open to infection
- Loose or broken filling if part of a filling, crown or other dental work comes loose or falls out, this can leave the underlying tooth vulnerable
- Dental abscess severe tooth decay or gum disease can cause a painful abscess to develop inside the gum
- Impacted wisdom tooth if a wisdom tooth or other tooth is stuck inside the gum, this can be painful and also cause swelling
- Teeth grinding if you grind or clench your teeth when you sleep , this can put strain on your teeth and cause them to hurt in the morning
- Mouth ulcer an ulcer can cause pain in nearby teeth
- Sinus infection pressure or swelling in the sinuses may cause toothache, especially in the upper jaw
- Jaw problems a misaligned jaw or other problems with the jaw or temporomandibular joints can cause an uneven bite and toothache
Dont Miss: Best Over The Counter Tooth Infection Medicine
Recommended Reading: Can Bacterial Sinus Infection Treated Without Antibiotics
What Is The Prognosis For A Dental Abscess
The prognosis is good for resolution of a small dental abscess once it has ruptured or been drained. If the symptoms are improving, it is unlikely that the infection is getting worse. Larger abscesses need immediate medical care, often requiring drainage and antibiotics. Proper follow-up care with a dentist is mandatory for the reassessment of the infection and for taking care of the problem tooth.
- Care might include pulling the tooth or having a root canal performed on it.
- Dental abscesses that have extended to the floor of the mouth or to the neck can threaten a person’s airway and ability to breathe and may be life-threatening unless they are properly drained.
What Symptoms Relate To Toothache And Swelling
Toothache sometimes starts very suddenly. It can cause pain and discomfort that ranges from mild to very severe. The pain may affect not only your tooth, but also your head, ear and jaw. The pain may be constant, throbbing, or it may come and go.
If you have toothache, you may also have a:
- swelling around your tooth and inside your mouth
- swelling of your jaw and face
- pain when chewing
- bleeding from your tooth or gums
- sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food
Recommended Reading: Can Keflex Be Used For Tooth Infection
What Causes An Abscessed Tooth
There are many causes for a dental abscess. A very common cause is when a dental cavity becomes so large and deep that it reaches the pulp chamber. An inflammatory process takes place within the tooth. Inflammation of the pulp is usually what is felt as a toothache. Pulpitis is further characterized by tests done by a dentist as reversible or irreversible. Reversible pulpitis means that the pulp is irritated but has an opportunity to recover. Irreversible pulpitis means that it will not recover, and the pulp is dying. Once the pulp is dead , an abscess can form as the infection spreads from the tooth to the gum ligament and jawbone below. Often, a tooth that becomes necrotic can still be saved if steps are taken to resolve the infection at an early stage.
Other causes for a tooth to become necrotic and abscess are a blow to a tooth, dental treatment such as a crown or a filling that gets too close to the pulp chamber, or trauma to a tooth from grinding or clenching. In every form of a tooth abscess, the pulp is adversely affected and is unable to recover from the insult or injury. A blow to the tooth can immediately sever the tooth’s blood supply. When the blood supply is lost, the nutrient supply is also lost. As a result, the pulp quickly dies. Trauma from grinding or clenching is a slower, progressive injury to a tooth.
Types Of Toothache And Swelling
Teeth can hurt for many reasons, and toothache can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. This pain may be constant, intermittent or only hurt when you bite down with the tooth. It may affect a single tooth or several teeth and could also spread to the jaw, ear or head.
Swelling can affect the gums, other soft tissues in the mouth, or may be in the jaw or face. If you have swelling around a painful tooth, these symptoms are likely connected. Other related symptoms could include tooth sensitivity and bleeding gums.
Also Check: I Always Feel Like I Have A Bladder Infection
Dental Emergencies: What To Do If You Have A Swelling
Swellings around the mouth can happen for a variety of reasons. For example, swelling can occur because of blocked salivary glands, medication side-effects, poor nutrition , gingivitis and gum disease, and some oral cancers. However, a swelling can also be an indication that a tooth has an abscess, especially if it is accompanied by pain and has occurred reasonably quickly.
Minimising Swelling Of The Cheek And Mouth
-
Rinse the mouth with warm water and gently examine the area if possible to see if any food particles are present. If food is present, try to remove it with gentle toothbrushing of the area.
-
Cold Compress Apply a cold compress or cold pack to the swollen area for 10-15 minutes can help to reduce inflammation, but not necessarily the cause of the inflammation. Ice mustn’t be placed directly on the face or tissues.
Don’t Miss: Antibiotics For Spider Bite Infection
Swelling Caused By A Bee Sting
If a venomous bee sting caused the swelling, remove the stinger immediately. Dont use tweezers to remove the stinger. Tweezers can pinch the stinger, causing it to release more venom.
Use a playing card instead:
Read Also: Ear Infection Hurts So Bad
How Do You Get Rid Of A Swollen Face From A Tooth Infection
How can you care for yourself at home?
Also Check: Saline Solution For Eye Infection
Outlook For Tooth Abscesses
The recovery is good from a small dental abscess, once it has ruptured or been drained. If the symptoms are improving, itâs unlikely the infection is getting worse. Youâll need follow-up care with your dentist to reassess your infection and to take care of the problem tooth. For example, you may need to have the tooth pulled or have a root canal performed on it.
If itâs not treated, a tooth abscess can spread to the floor of the mouth or to the neck and threaten your airway and ability to breathe. This may be life-threatening unless itâs properly drained.
An untreated infection also can spread to your jaw or other parts of your head or neck. In some cases, it can lead to , which is a serious infection that spreads through your body.
Show Sources
I Had A Great Date Until A Man Sat Down Beside Us And She Went Deathly Pale
Plus the woman who was left humiliated after being told by airline crew to cover up because of her ‘inappropriate’ outfit.
And the woman who was chuffed about selling her iPhone on Facebook for £230, then realised they paid her with fake notes, warns of her mistake.
Meanwhile I found out my best friend cheated with my boyfriend, I did the same back to her and two years later we are married.
FABULOUS BINGO: WIN A SHARE OF £250K
Recommended Reading: Natural Remedy For Wisdom Tooth Infection
Tooth Infection With Swollen Face
Ds needs a root canal filling, and on the day he was due to have it done, he developed toothache in that tooth. He told the dentist but she proceeded to start the treatment. However, she found infection so couldnt continue and simply replaced with a temporary filling although she had put some antibiotic directly on to the site of the infection. The next day DSs face was swollen on the one side, so we sent him back to the dentist, who gave him two lots of oral antibiotics, which he has been taking since then . The swelling seems worse that ever today, and you can feel like an abcess in his cheek. His temperature is fine.He doesnt feel full of life, but is generally ok. Is currently getting ready to go and meet some friends so clearly cant be too bad! [hmm)Should I be panicking yet, or will the antibiotics take this time to kick in?
Wasnt going to offer my experience which is that I still have a lump and swelling on my gum 2 months on from 3 courses of antibiotics but maybe my comments are better than none .My face is no longer swollen and Im waiting for appt at dental hosp for an xray .Tho some doubt now as to whether dentist has sent referral yet .GP doesnt seem bothered ,pain has subsided .So i guess these things arent that much to worry about .If agonising pain suggest dental hospital .Sorry not to be more help .
Also Check: Can A Yeast Infection Not Itch
Emergency Treatments For Infection / Pain
Maybe youve had a toothache for several weeks and it seems to have escalated. Or perhaps there is severe sensitivity to hot and cold and the pain is unbearable. Perhaps youve had a gum boil for several months that does not seem to resolve. Or perhaps youve woken up with painful swelling on your gum or the side of your face. Pain and swelling are most commonly the result of inflammation or infection from teeth decay, gum disease, and other pathological conditions. Either way, pain can be severe. Infection-related swelling can spread quickly to other areas of the head and neck and lead to dangerous complications.
If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling of gum tissue or face, drainage, difficulty opening, fever, or redness over the skin, you are most likely having an infection which requires immediate treatment. Call us at 301.654.7070 for an emergency appointment.
You May Like: Does Boric Acid Pills Cure Yeast Infections
How To Relieve A Face Swollen From A Toothache
Fact Checked
A face swollen from a toothache occurs when facial and oral tissues become inflamed due to injury or infection. Your facial swelling may be accompanied by severe, throbbing pain, or pain may be dull or absent. Your facial swelling also may be accompanied by redness and warmth. You need to treat your facial swelling because if you do not, it may affect your ability to speak and eat. Here are steps you can take to relieve a swollen face from a toothache.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
See your dentist. Your dentist will determine the cause of your toothache that is causing your face to swell. He will visually inspect your mouth and teeth and may take an X-ray. Treatment will be based on your dental evaluation.
Take an anti-inflammatory medication. Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication will reduce a swollen face from your toothache. It will also alleviate your pain.
Take antibiotics. Your toothache and swollen face may be caused by an infection of your tooth or gums 10. When your infection goes away, your swelling will go down 10. Take all your antibiotics to make sure your infection completely resolves.
Get your tooth pulled. If your tooth is infected or damaged, you may need to have it extracted. When the tooth is removed, your pain and swelling will be eliminated.
Tips
Warnings
Home Remedies For Abscess Tooth With Swollen Face
What is an Abscess Tooth? An abscess tooth is a type of infection. It is also called periodontal abscess. Usually, when a part of the mouth becomes irritated or injured, bacteria may enter the mouth and cause infections.
In the presence of an infection, an abscess forms in order to form a barrier around the infection and keep it from spreading. An abscess is a defense mechanism of the body, which means that it is trying to do you more good than you think. However, a tooth abscess is extremely painful, and may eventually cause complications.
An untreated abscess can damage the bone and teeth that surrounds it. There is also a chance that the infection will spread to the other parts of the body. Because of this, it is important that an abscess tooth immediately gets the treatment that it needs.
What causes an abscess tooth?
A tooth abscess may be caused by any of the following:
Food that gets stuck in between the teeth Underlying periodontal disease Present infection on a tooths nerve
What are the signs and symptoms of an abscess tooth?
An abscess usually starts out as a severe toothache that does not seem to go away. The quality of pain associated with a tooth abscess is usually a throbbing, sharp, or shooting kind of pain.
Other symptoms of an abscess tooth are:
Redness and swelling of the gums Presence of sore with pus Bitter taste in the mouth Foul smell of breath Fever
What are the home remedies for abscess tooth?
1. Warm salt-water solution
3. Tea bags
Also Check: Best Meds For An Ear Infection
Can Dental Problems Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes
When youre starting to feel a little sick, you may notice some swelling on the sides of your neck. Those tiny lumps feel soft and tender to the touch and may even hurt a little. These are called lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes are common and are a good sign. The swelling in these lumps is one of your bodys reactions to illness or infection.
When your lymph nodes get swollen, it means your immune system is working to clear away infection and viruses or bacteria. These swollen lumps act like filters that help your body get rid of cells or foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid and are located throughout your body in the jaw, arms, groin, abdomen, and legs.
The lymph nodes that swell up are the ones located closest to the area of the infection or illness. For example, the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes in the neck is an upper respiratory infection. Lymph nodes can swell up with pretty much any kind of infection, including dental issues.
Are There Any Over
You should always see your dentist if you have a tooth infection. Your teeth are very close to your brain and a tooth infection can quickly spread to nearby areas and organs.
Antibiotics arent available without a prescription, but there are a few things you can do at home for relief before your appointment, such as:
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water
- avoiding hot or cold foods whenever possible
- trying to chew with the opposite side of your mouth
- brushing with a soft toothbrush around the affected tooth
Dont Miss: Different Types Of Kidney Infections
Don’t Miss: Does Urgent Care Do Eye Infections
Treatments For A Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses are treated by removing the source of the infection and draining away the pus.
Depending on the location of the abscess and how severe the infection is, possible treatments include:
- root canal treatment a procedure to remove the abscess from the root of an affected tooth before filling and sealing it
- removing the affected tooth this may be necessary if root canal treatment is not possible
- incision and drainage where a small cut is made in the gum to drain the abscess
Local anaesthetic will usually be used to numb your mouth for these procedures.
More extensive operations may be carried out under general anaesthetic, where you’re asleep.
Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for dental abscesses, but may be used if the infection spreads or is particularly severe.