Swollen face due to toothache. Toothache and Facial Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

08.05.201915.04.2021 by alexxlab

What causes toothache and facial swelling. How to identify symptoms of dental problems. When should you see a dentist for tooth pain and swelling. What treatment options are available for toothache and swelling.

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Understanding Toothache and Facial Swelling

Toothache and facial swelling can be distressing symptoms that often indicate an underlying dental or medical issue. While occasional mild tooth pain may not always be a cause for concern, persistent toothache accompanied by swelling typically requires prompt attention from a dental professional.

Do toothaches always indicate a serious problem? Not necessarily. However, when tooth pain is accompanied by noticeable swelling in the face or jaw area, it’s more likely to signify a potentially severe condition that warrants immediate evaluation.

Common Causes of Toothache

Tooth pain can stem from various sources, ranging from minor irritations to more serious dental conditions. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Tooth decay
Gum disease
Root canal infections
Cracked or chipped teeth
Loose or broken dental fillings
Dental abscesses
Impacted wisdom teeth
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Mouth ulcers
Sinus infections
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Can tooth decay cause persistent pain? Yes, as bacteria wear down tooth enamel, they can expose the sensitive dentin layer underneath, leading to ongoing discomfort and sensitivity.

Facial Swelling: Potential Causes and Concerns

Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck area can occur for various reasons, some of which may be related to dental issues while others might stem from non-dental causes. Common factors contributing to facial swelling include:

Allergic reactions
Dental abscesses
Fluid retention
Hormonal imbalances
Impacted wisdom teeth
Infections (dental or otherwise)
Injuries
Medication side effects
Root canal infections
Sinus problems
Complications from oral surgery

Is facial swelling always related to dental problems? No, while dental issues can cause swelling, there are numerous non-dental reasons for facial swelling as well. However, when swelling occurs in conjunction with tooth pain, it’s more likely to be connected to a dental condition.

Recognizing Symptoms and Their Significance

Understanding the nature and severity of your symptoms can help determine the urgency of seeking dental care. Toothaches can manifest in various ways:

Constant or intermittent pain
Pain triggered by biting or chewing
Localized pain in one tooth or spread across multiple teeth
Pain radiating to the jaw, ear, or head
Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

Swelling may be noticeable in the gums, soft tissues of the mouth, jaw, or face. Additional symptoms that might accompany toothache and swelling include:

Bleeding gums
Discharge from the mouth
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Fever

Are bleeding gums always a sign of gum disease? While bleeding gums can indicate gingivitis or periodontitis, they may also result from vigorous brushing or flossing. Persistent bleeding, however, should be evaluated by a dentist.

When to Seek Dental Care

Knowing when to consult a dental professional is crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing complications. Here are some guidelines:

For toothache without swelling: Schedule a dental appointment if the pain persists for more than two days.
For any swelling in the mouth, face, or jaw: Seek immediate dental care or medical attention, as this could indicate an infection.
For signs of oral infection (discharge, breathing difficulties, fever): Make an emergency appointment with your dentist or visit the nearest emergency room.

Should you wait for toothache and swelling to subside on their own? It’s not advisable. Even if symptoms improve, the underlying issue may persist, potentially leading to more severe complications if left untreated.

The Importance of Timely Intervention

Delaying treatment for dental issues can have serious consequences. Infections can spread, potentially affecting other parts of the body. Additionally, untreated dental problems often worsen over time, leading to more extensive and costly treatments in the future.

Diagnostic Procedures for Toothache and Swelling

When you visit a dentist for tooth pain and swelling, you can expect a thorough examination to determine the root cause of your symptoms. The diagnostic process typically involves:

Discussion of symptoms and medical history
Visual examination of the mouth, teeth, and surrounding tissues
Dental X-rays to visualize internal structures and detect hidden issues
Additional tests or imaging if necessary

Why are dental X-rays important in diagnosing tooth problems? X-rays allow dentists to see beneath the surface, revealing issues such as tooth decay, abscesses, or impacted teeth that may not be visible during a visual examination alone.

Treatment Options for Toothache and Facial Swelling

The appropriate treatment for toothache and swelling depends on the underlying cause. Common treatment approaches include:

Dental fillings for cavities
Root canal therapy for infected tooth pulp
Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Extraction for severely damaged or impacted teeth
Periodontal treatments for gum disease
Pain management techniques and medications
Drainage of abscesses
Referral to specialists for complex cases

How effective is root canal therapy in treating severe toothaches? Root canal treatment can be highly effective in eliminating pain caused by infected or inflamed tooth pulp, often saving teeth that would otherwise require extraction.

Home Care and Pain Management

While awaiting professional treatment, there are several steps you can take to manage pain and discomfort:

Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation
Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling
Avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages
Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped debris

Can saltwater rinses help with tooth pain? Yes, saltwater rinses can temporarily alleviate discomfort by reducing inflammation and creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria.

Preventing Future Toothaches and Swelling

While not all dental issues are preventable, many can be avoided or minimized through proper oral hygiene and regular dental care. Key preventive measures include:

Brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Flossing at least once a day
Using an antiseptic mouthwash
Limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages
Avoiding tobacco products
Wearing a mouthguard during sports or if you grind your teeth
Scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings

How often should you have dental check-ups? For most people, visiting the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning is recommended. However, some individuals may need more frequent visits based on their oral health status.

The Role of Diet in Oral Health

Your diet plays a significant role in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and vitamin D, can help strengthen teeth and support overall oral health. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Understanding the Connection Between Oral and Overall Health

The health of your mouth can have far-reaching effects on your overall well-being. Research has shown links between oral health and various systemic conditions, including:

Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Respiratory infections
Pregnancy complications
Alzheimer’s disease

How does oral health affect the rest of the body? Poor oral health can allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially causing inflammation and infections in other parts of the body. Additionally, some systemic diseases can manifest symptoms in the mouth, making dental check-ups an important part of overall health monitoring.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Health

Recognizing the interconnectedness of oral and overall health underscores the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare. Regular dental visits not only help maintain oral health but can also serve as early detection opportunities for various health issues. Dentists and physicians often collaborate to provide comprehensive care, especially for patients with chronic conditions that may impact oral health.

By prioritizing both dental and general health care, individuals can work towards achieving optimal overall well-being. This integrated approach to health management can lead to improved quality of life and potentially reduce the risk of various health complications in the long term.

What Does Toothache and Swelling Mean?

Toothache can happen for many reasons and is sometimes benign, but toothache accompanied by swelling is more likely to indicate a serious problem.

If you have pain and swelling in your mouth, it’s important to see your dentist or doctor as soon as possible. They’ll aim to find out what’s causing your symptoms so they can treat the problem at the cause.

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 (inflammation) 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.

When to see a dentist

If you have a toothache without swelling, you should make an appointment to see a dentist if the pain lasts longer than two days. They’ll try to find out what’s causing the pain and may prescribe pain relief medication to help you manage the discomfort.

If you have any swelling in your mouth, face or jaw, see your dentist or a doctor as soon as possible. This can sometimes be a sign of an infection, which can get worse the longer it isn’t treated, as well as prolonging your discomfort.

Other possible signs of an oral infection include discharge from the mouth, trouble breathing or swallowing and fever. If you have any of these symptoms, make an emergency appointment with your dentist or visit your nearest emergency room.

Not going to the dentist and hoping that your toothache and swelling will go away on their own could be dangerous if you have an infection. Even if your symptoms do subside, the underlying problem could still be present, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

What causes toothache?

There are many possible causes for dental pain. You’ll need to see a health professional to get a reliable diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.

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 (the pulp), 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 (impacted) inside the gum, this can be painful and also cause swelling
Teeth grinding – if you grind or clench your teeth when you sleep (bruxism), 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 (TMJ) can cause an uneven bite and toothache

What causes facial swelling?

Swelling of the mouth, jaw, face or neck can also have many possible causes, including:

allergic reactions
dental abscess
fluid retention
hormonal disturbances
impacted wisdom teeth
infections
injuries
medication side-effects
root canal infections
sinus problems
trauma from oral surgery

If your gum or face is swollen around a painful tooth, both of these symptoms likely have the same underlying cause.

How are toothache and swelling treated?

If you visit a dentist because you’re worried about a swollen or painful tooth, they’ll ask you to describe your symptoms and may enquire about your medical and dental history and any medication you’re taking.

They will then examine your mouth to see if they can spot any signs of a problem. This may involve taking an x-ray to see inside the teeth and beneath the gums. This is necessary to diagnose or rule out issues such as a tooth infection or dental abscess.

Once they’ve completed the examination, your dentist may be able to diagnose the problem and discuss appropriate treatments with you. Depending on what’s causing your toothache and swelling, you may be given advice for how to recover at home or your dentist may recommend a treatment such as:

If your symptoms aren’t caused by a dental issue, your dentist may refer you to a suitably qualified health professional who can help you.

Recovery from toothache and swelling

Not all tooth pains and facial swelling require treatment. Your dentist may prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication or other remedies to help you manage your symptoms at home while you recover. Always follow the instructions on the packet when taking any medication.

You could also improve your chances of a full recovery by:

maintaining good oral hygiene
eating soft foods
not smoking
placing an ice pack or cold compress against your face
sleeping with your head slightly lifted
gargling with salt water (not recommended for children)

Contact our dentists in Brisbane

If you want more advice or want to talk to a Brisbane dentist, call our team at Face Value Dental today. Get in touch on (07) 3221 0677 or book an appointment at your nearest clinic to find out how we can help.

References

Healthdirect. Toothache and swelling [Online] 2017 [Accessed March 2020] Available from: https://www. healthdirect.gov.au/toothache-and-swelling

Healthline. What’s Causing My Face to Swell? [Online] 2018 [Accessed March 2020] Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/facial-swelling

Healthdirect. Tooth abscess [Online] 2019 [Accessed March 2020] Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tooth-abscess

Better Health Channel. Teeth and mouth care [Online] 2019 [Accessed March 2020] Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-care

Dental Abscess with Facial Cellulitis

A dental abscess is an infection at the base of a tooth. It means a pocket of fluid (pus) has formed at the tip of a tooth root in your jawbone. If the infection isn’t treated, more serious infections may spread to the face (facial cellulitis). This makes your face swell. Facial cellulitis is an infection of the skin and underlying soft tissues. This is a very serious condition. Once the infection and swelling starts, it can spread quickly.

A dental abscess often starts with a crack or cavity in a tooth. The pain is often made worse by having hot or cold drinks, or biting on hard foods. The pain may spread from the tooth to your ear, or to the area of your jaw on the same side.

Home care

Follow these tips when caring for yourself at home:

Don’t have hot and cold foods and drinks. Your tooth may be sensitive to changes in temperature. Don’t chew on the side of the infected tooth.
If your tooth is chipped or cracked, or if there is a large open cavity, put clove oil right on the tooth to ease pain. You can buy clove oil at pharmacies. Some pharmacies carry an over-the-counter toothache kit. This has a paste that you can put on the exposed tooth to make it less sensitive.
Put a cold pack on your jaw over the sore area. This can help reduce pain.
You may use over-the-counter medicine to ease pain, unless another medicine was prescribed. Talk with your provider before using acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have chronic liver or kidney disease. Also talk with your provider if you’ve had a stomach ulcer or GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding.
An antibiotic will be prescribed. Take it exactly as directed. Don’t miss any doses.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your dentist or an oral surgeon, as advised. Severe cases of cellulitis must be checked again in 24 hours. Once a tooth infection occurs, it will be a problem until the infection is drained. This is done through surgery or a root canal. Or you may need to have your tooth pulled.

Call

911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

Swelling spreads to the upper half of your face or neck
Your eyelids start to swell shut
Abnormal drowsiness
Headache or a stiff neck
Weakness or fainting
Trouble swallowing or breathing

When to get medical advice

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

Pain gets worse or spreads to your neck
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

What Works and What Hurts

Your head pounds, your gums throb, and your mouth is sore and tender. You’ve got a toothache. See your dentist ASAP. In the meantime, use these home remedies to get short-term relief.

Saltwater rinse

Until you can get to the dentist, one of the best things you can do is swish warm, salty water around in your mouth. A good mix is half a teaspoon of table salt to 8 ounces of water. Spit it out, don’t swallow it. You can also gently floss around the sore tooth to remove any bits of food that may be stuck.

Hydrogen peroxide rinse

As an alternative to saltwater, rinse with a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Rinse thoroughly and spit it out. Don’t swallow hydrogen peroxide.

OTC pain relievers

Dentists suggest acetaminophen for children. For adults, take your pick of over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen. If you choose aspirin, swallow it — don’t put it right on the tooth or your gums. That folk remedy doesn’t work and might harm the inside of your mouth.

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Cold compress

If your face is swollen, put an ice pack on your cheek. It may help ease the pain, especially if you’ve chipped your tooth or knocked it loose. Swelling could also mean you have an abscess, a sac of pus and gunk deep in the roots of your tooth. This can cause serious infection in your jaw and other teeth. Signs include fever and red gums.

OTC anesthetics

Apply these pain-relieving gels and liquids directly to the sore tooth and nearby gums. They contain benzocaine, which will numb your mouth for a little while. But they’re meant for short-term use only.

Ice

Put some ice in your hand, on the same side of the body as your sore tooth. Rub the ice in the space between your thumb and forefinger for 7 minutes, or until the area turns numb. Why does it work? Researchers believe ice stops pain signals to your brain.

Clove oil

This natural remedy numbs the pain. Rub it directly on the sore area, or soak a cotton ball and dab it against the tooth and gums. It may be as effective as benzocaine, the numbing ingredient in over-the-counter toothache gels.

Toothache Alternative Remedies

In addition to those standard options, there are some alternative remedies you could try. Most of them aren’t proven to work. And any home remedy might make it feel better for a while, but they won’t make your toothache go away.

Garlic

When you crush one of these cloves, you release allicin, an oily liquid and natural disease fighter. Will it ease the ache? That’s not clear. But you can try chewing a piece of garlic or placing chopped bits on your tooth. It’s safe to try.

Toothache plant

With a name like that, this might seem a sure bet to ease your symptoms. Different types of this plant grow all over the world, and the oil is an ingredient in many products. But it’s not clear if this plant really eases dental pain.

Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract has alcohol in it. The alcohol will numb the pain for a while, and antioxidants in the vanilla may help it heal. Use your finger or a cotton ball to put a small amount on your aching tooth and gum.

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Peppermint tea

A cooled peppermint tea bag may soothe your aching tooth and gums.

Traditional healing

In some parts of the world, traditional healers and herbalists use different parts of many other plants to help a toothache. It’s not clear how well they work. These include:

Painted nettles
Blue verbena
Coconut shell
Guava leaves
Cola nuts
Eucalyptus leaves
Mango bark
Pawpaw leaves
Sweet potato
Sunflower leaves
Tobacco leaves

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Remedies

Toothache Overview

A toothache or tooth pain is caused when the nerve in the root of a tooth or surrounding a tooth is irritated. Dental (tooth) infection, decay, injury, or loss of a tooth are the most common causes of dental pain. Pain may also occur after an extraction (tooth is pulled out). Pain sometimes originates from other areas and radiates to the jaw, thus appearing to be tooth pain. The most common areas include the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint or TMJ), ear pain, sinuses, and even occasional heart problems.

Bacteria growing inside your mouth can contribute to gum disease and dental decay, both of which can cause pain. Often, gum disease will not result in any pain.

You can prevent the majority of dental problems by flossing, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. The dentist may apply sealants and fluoride, which are especially important for children’s teeth.

Toothache Causes

Toothache occurs from inflammation of the central portion of the tooth called pulp. The pulp contains nerve endings that are very sensitive to pain. Inflammation to the pulp or pulpitis may be caused by dental cavities, trauma, and infection. Referred pain from the jaw may cause you to have symptoms of a toothache.

Toothache Symptoms

Toothache and jaw pain are common complaints. There may be severe pain to pressure, or to hot or cold stimuli. The pain may persist for longer than 15 seconds after the stimulus is removed. As the area of inflammation increases, the pain becomes more severe. It may radiate to the cheek, the ear, or the jaw. Other signs and symptoms that may lead you to seek care include the following:

Pain with chewing
Hot or cold sensitivity
Bleeding or discharge from around a tooth or gums
Swelling around a tooth or swelling of your jaw
Injury or trauma to the area

These signs and symptoms may sometimes be associated with dental decay, tooth fracture, or gum disease (periodontal disease). Dental decay or an area of redness around the tooth’s gum line may point to the source of pain. If you tap an infected tooth, it may make the pain more intense. This sign may point to the problem tooth even if the tooth appears normal.

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A toothache needs to be differentiated from other sources of pain in the face. Sinusitis, ear or throat pain, or an injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that attaches the jaw to the skull may be confused with toothache. Pain from a deeper structure (called referred pain) may be passed along the nerve and be felt in the jaw or tooth. In order to pinpoint the source of the pain and get relief, call your dentist or doctor.

When to Seek Medical Care for a Toothache

You should call your doctor or dentist about a toothache when:

Pain is not relieved by over-the-counter drugs
You experience severe pain after a tooth is pulled; this may occur on the second or third day after tooth extraction. This is a result of the clot falling out and bone exposed until a new clot and cover the exposed bone. The condition is known as alveolar osteitis or “dry socket syndrome.” If you develop this condition, you should see a dentist within 24 hours.
Pain is associated with swelling of the gums or face, or you have discharge around a tooth; fever is an important sign of infection in dental disease. Simple dental decay (caries) does not cause fever. These signs may signify an infection surrounding the tooth, the gum, or the jaw bone (mandible). Fever and swelling may indicate the presence of an abscess. Dental abscesses may require antibiotics and surgical opening (drainage) of the abscess. When this procedure is recommended to be done inside the tooth (endodontic drainage), “root canal” therapy is performed.
Broken or knocked-out teeth occur from an injury; unless associated with more severe injuries, your dentist should be contacted as soon as possible. Swallowed teeth and permanent tooth loss are considered dental emergencies. Tooth loss due to injury (traumatic loss) is treated differently in children who have lost their primary teeth than in older children and adults with injury to their secondary — or permanent –teeth. If a child’s permanent (adult) tooth is fully knocked out, try to gently rinse it off and re-implant it as soon as possible and seek dental care. If you are not able to get it back in place it in a small amount of milk or even water and seek dental care.
Pain is present at the angle of your jaw; if every time you open your mouth widely you have pain, it is likely that the temporomandibular (TMJ) joint has been injured or inflamed. This can occur from an injury or just by trying to eat something that is too big. Your dentist may be able to suggest solutions to this problem.
Wisdom teeth are causing pain; as wisdom teeth (third molars) are coming into the mouth — or erupting — they cause inflammation of the gum around the visible portion of the crown. The gum overlying the crown may become infected. The tooth most commonly involved is the lower third molar. The pain may extend to the jaw and ear. There may be swelling in the affected area so that the jaw cannot be closed properly. In severe cases, pain in the throat and the floor of the mouth may make it difficult to swallow.

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Any history of trauma, chest pain, or heart disease, or rashes may suggest causes of pain other than purely dental origin. These symptoms with toothache or jaw pain indicate that you should visit your doctor or a hospital’s emergency department.

High fever or chills: This may indicate a more widespread infection that might require more than antibiotics by mouth.
Recent head or face injury: If you experience headache, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms that concern you after an injury to your face or mouth, you may have a more serious injury in addition to your dental injury.
A facial rash associated with a toothache: This condition may improve with medication. The doctor should be able to decide what is appropriate.
Any jaw pain occurring with chest pain: Although jaw pain is most commonly caused by dental disease, it is sometimes referred pain from other areas. People with heart disease, especially people who have had stents placed, people with diabetes, or those who have had heart surgery may have jaw pain as a symptom of heart attack or angina. If your jaw or tooth pain is associated with lightheadedness, sweating, or shortness of breath, you should see a doctor.
Trouble swallowing or excessive pain or bleeding from gums: If you have a history of a weakened immune system, diabetes, or steroid use, you may be more susceptible to infections. Infections can often be more severe and extensive or caused by unusual organisms. Dental and gum infections in people with these conditions may require more aggressive treatment. An abscess may need draining or IV antibiotics, for example.

Exams and Tests for Toothaches

A thorough medical history and oral exam usually lead to an appropriate diagnosis.

Sometimes, X-rays called periapical and Panorex views (panoramic X-rays of the teeth and jaw) are taken. Rarely, lab evaluation, including ECG tracings of the heart, will assist the doctor. If the cause is something other than a dental or jaw problem, the doctor may prescribe drugs directed at the problem. If the condition is more severe, the doctor may admit you to the hospital for further care. You may be referred to a dentist for further treatment.

Treating a Toothache at Home

For toothaches:

Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used. Take these as directed on the package while you arrange a dental appointment.
Avoid very cold or hot foods, because they may make the pain worse.
You may get relief from biting on a cotton ball soaked in oil of cloves. You can get oil of cloves at most drug stores.

For jaw pain:

Aspirin may be helpful for problems in the joint of the jaw in adults.
Acetaminophen (not aspirin) should be used for children and teenagers.
If pain happens every time you open your mouth widely, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be the source of the pain. Yawning or taking a large bite of food may worsen the pain. An appointment with your doctor or dentist will help you find the cause.

Medical Treatment for Toothaches

In most cases, toothaches or jaw pain signifies a problem that must be cared for by a dentist.

A referral to a dentist for follow-up will usually be arranged. In some cases, the doctor may try an injection around the tooth for pain control. If there is swelling in the gums or face, or you have fever, antibiotics may be prescribed.

At the dentist’s office, fillings, pulling teeth, or other procedures may be performed as required. A tooth extraction will be the most likely procedure with a primary (baby) tooth. On permanent teeth if the problem is severe, root canal therapy (cleaning out the nerves and blood vessels and sealing off the root canals of the tooth) and crown procedures are generally performed.

An antibiotic will usually be prescribed if a fever or swelling of the jaw is present. Such procedures are generally done in stages, with pain and infection being cared for immediately, and reconstructive procedures being performed at a later time (weeks to months). You will be able to return to work or school while you recover. Dentists and oral surgeons may plan additional procedures at the most appropriate time.

If causes other than the teeth or jaw are responsible for the pain, management will depend on the condition.

Toothache Treatment Follow-Up

After toothache treatment at your dentist’s office, continue to practice good dental care. Routine and prompt follow-up appointments with the dentist should relieve your dental pain faster.

When you leave the emergency department, take the medications as prescribed and keep your follow-up appointment. If you have any concerning signs or symptoms, call your doctor.

Stopping smoking may help improve some dental conditions. If you are having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor about assistance.

Toothache Prevention

Most people can avoid toothaches and severe dental problems with regular dental care. Have your dentist’s telephone number easily available in case of an emergency.

Maintain a healthy diet. Bacteria thrive on refined sugar and starch and need this in order to burrow through the enamel on your teeth. Watch what you eat and be careful about food that sticks to and between your teeth. Brush your teeth after eating.
Establish a good program of cleaning your teeth to remove the food particles. Brush your teeth after eating and brush your gums to encourage healthy gum. Use a soft toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste as recommended by the American Dental Association. Floss between teeth daily. Water jets are effective at removing trapped particles, but flossing your teeth does a more thorough job when done carefully. Rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash to help get rid of bacteria that cause plaque and early gum disease.
Prevent tooth decay with fluoride. Fluoride is effective in preventing tooth decay in children. Fluoride is a natural element and is found in many water supplies and vegetables. Check and see if your tap water is fluoridated. If your water is not fluoridated, your dentist can prescribe fluoride tablets or fluoride supplements for children younger than 10 years.
Arrange to have your teeth cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist at least twice a year. It may help in preventing both decay and gum disease. Dental X-rays may be needed every three to five years to identify problem areas.
Keep your bridge or dentures clean. Your dentist can offer suggestions. Even if you do not have all of your original adult teeth, you can prevent new dental problems if you try these preventive tips.
Wear a protective dental guard or headgear while playing sports to help prevent injury.
Do not smoke. Tobacco smoking may make some dental conditions worse.

Outlook for Toothaches

For most common causes of toothache, the prognosis is good with appropriate dental care. Following good dental hygiene, such as brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, and routine check-ups by the dentist, helps to prevent dental problems.

For conditions other than dental and jaw problems, prompt diagnosis and treatment usually improve long-term outcome.

Is it serious? Causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Swelling in one or both cheeks can happen for a number of reasons, from a minor facial injury to an infection or a more serious underlying health issue.

In this article, we explore the causes of swollen cheeks and how doctors diagnose and treat them.

Share on PinterestSwollen cheeks may indicate a facial infection, a tooth abscess, or another medical condition.

The area of swelling can help a doctor identify the problem. For example, an infection may cause swelling in only one cheek.

Below, find more examples of causes of swelling according to the affected area:

One cheek

Conditions that may lead to swelling in one cheek include:

Inside the cheek

Swelling on the inner lining of the cheek may indicate:

Alongside swollen gums

Cheek and gum swelling often indicates an infection of the gums or a tooth abscess.

Pericoronitis, for example, is an infection that occurs around a tooth that has only partially broken through the gums, and it can lead to cheek swelling.

A wide range of issues can cause swelling in one or both cheeks, and some of these causes are more serious than others. For example:

Injury

An injury from a fall or blunt force, for example, can damage soft tissue and bones in the face, which can result in facial swelling and pain.

Minor injuries often heal on their own, but anyone who suspects that an injury may be more severe should receive medical attention.

Tooth abscess

Tooth decay is a common oral health condition that happens when acids break down the enamel coating of a tooth.

Untreated decay can lead to infection around the root of the tooth. If the infection becomes more severe, a pocket of pus, called an abscess, may form, leading to swelling.

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection of the salivary glands. Symptoms, including swelling in the jaw and cheeks, may appear 12–25 days after the initial infection.

Other symptoms of mumps include:

a headache
a fever
fatigue
muscle aches or chills
a loss of appetite

Salivary stones

Salivary stones are calcium deposits that form in the salivary glands. Another name for this issue is sialolithiasis.

Salivary stones most commonly affect people aged 30–60 and are more common in males.

The exact cause of salivary stones remains unknown. However, they can form when bacteria and food particles enter the salivary glands.

If a person does not receive treatment, a salivary stone can block a salivary duct and lead to an infection. of an infected salivary gland can include:

swelling in one cheek, which may feel warm
sensitivity or pain in the area
difficulty or pain when chewing or speaking
foul-tasting discharge from the infected gland
a fever

Lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis occurs when one or more lymph nodes swell in response to an infection in the area.

If the infection is in the head or neck, it may lead to swelling in one or both cheeks.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in the fat or soft tissue beneath the skin.

Alongside facial swelling, other symptoms include:

skin that feels warm
pain or tenderness in the area
a fever
chills

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is inflammation of the gums around a tooth that has only partially emerged. Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are most commonly affected.

Pericoronitis can sometimes cause intense pain.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism refers to the thyroid gland not producing enough hormones to meet the body’s demands.

Weight gain and puffiness in the face are common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Other symptoms include:

Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol.

People with Cushing’s syndrome may experience weight gain and puffiness in the face. Other symptoms include:

increased fat in or near the base of the neck
a fatty mass, or hump, between the shoulders
purple stretch marks on the abdomen, breasts, hips, or underarms
muscle or bone weakness

Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune condition in which white blood cells attack the salivary and tear glands.

People with Sjogren’s syndrome may develop swollen salivary glands, which can make their cheeks appear puffy or swollen. Other symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome include:

In a child, cheek swelling may result from:

lymphadenitis
cellulitis
Cushing’s syndrome
hypothyroidism
facial injury

If a doctor cannot identify the cause of the swelling with a physical exam, they may recommend one or more of the following tests:

CT, MRI, or X-ray imaging tests to evaluate the extent of swelling and identify structural abnormalities
blood tests to look for signs of an infection or thyroid problems
urinalysis to check for systemic infections and kidney problems
biopsy to check for cancerous cells in the mouth or throat

A doctor may prescribe or recommend various treatments to reduce cheek swelling and address the underlying cause. Medication, surgery, or both may be necessary, in some cases.

Minor injury

When swelling in a cheek results from a minor injury, it may help to:

apply a cold compress to relieve swelling and pain
keep the head elevate to stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling
gently massage the cheeks to stimulate blood flow

However, if an injury seems more severe, it is best to receive professional care.

Lymphadenitis

In a small 2019 review, researchers found that antibiotic treatment was effective when lymphadenitis resulted from bacterial infection. In this research, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare were the species responsible.

However, antibiotic resistance can cause difficulties. A 2015 retrospective review found that when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were responsible and resistant to antibiotics, surgery was sometimes required.

Cellulitis and pericoronitis

Antibiotics tend to clear cellulitis and pericoronitis — if the inflammation results from a bacterial infection. But if the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, surgery may be necessary.

Tooth abscess

A dentist or oral surgeon can treat a tooth abscess by surgically draining it and rinsing the area with saline water. They may also prescribe antibiotics.

Mumps

As with many other viral infections, no specific treatment exists for mumps. However, people can manage symptoms with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.

Vaccination is the most effective way of lowering the risk of mumps. The mumps vaccine comes in two doses and is available for children 1–12 years old.

Salivary stones

The right treatment depends on the size and number of stones.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce swelling and pain, and a doctor may try to free the stone by massaging the affected salivary gland.

If an infection develops, the doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. If one or more stones are large, they may require surgical removal.

Hypothyroidism

There is no cure for hypothyroidism, but doctors tend to prescribe synthetic hormones to account for the lack.

The dosage will depend on several factors, including current hormone levels.

Learn more about hypothyroidism treatment.

Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome responds to medications that lower cortisol production in the adrenal glands or decrease adrenocorticotropic hormone production in the pituitary gland.

Sjogren’s syndrome

A range of medications and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome, depending on the combination of symptoms and their severity.

For example, corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation and swelling.

Oral cancer

Treatment for oral cancer varies, depending on the type, location, and stage of the tumor.

Doctors can surgically remove tumors and affected lymph nodes. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can help treat advanced forms that have spread to other areas.

A person should receive immediate medical attention if sudden cheek swelling accompanies:

swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
a skin rash
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
dizziness

Swelling in one or both cheeks may result from a minor injury or infection. In other instances, the issue may be a severe infection, autoimmune condition, or oral cancer.

A range of treatments is available. Unless the cause is a minor injury, it is important to receive medical attention, especially if the swelling is sudden or severe.

In some cases, cheek swelling results from poor dental hygiene, which can lead to an infection. It is crucial to brush the teeth twice a day and follow all other dental hygiene recommendations.

If an infection seems to be healing slowly, it is important to consult the doctor or dentist. The sooner the person receives care, the better.

There are many possible causes of swelling in one or both cheeks, and some are more serious than others.

It is a good idea to consult a doctor or dentist, especially is the swelling is sudden, severe, or lasts for longer than a few days.

Is it serious? Causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Swelling in one or both cheeks can happen for a number of reasons, from a minor facial injury to an infection or a more serious underlying health issue.

In this article, we explore the causes of swollen cheeks and how doctors diagnose and treat them.

Share on PinterestSwollen cheeks may indicate a facial infection, a tooth abscess, or another medical condition.

The area of swelling can help a doctor identify the problem. For example, an infection may cause swelling in only one cheek.

Below, find more examples of causes of swelling according to the affected area:

One cheek

Conditions that may lead to swelling in one cheek include:

Inside the cheek

Swelling on the inner lining of the cheek may indicate:

Alongside swollen gums

Cheek and gum swelling often indicates an infection of the gums or a tooth abscess.

Pericoronitis, for example, is an infection that occurs around a tooth that has only partially broken through the gums, and it can lead to cheek swelling.

A wide range of issues can cause swelling in one or both cheeks, and some of these causes are more serious than others. For example:

Injury

An injury from a fall or blunt force, for example, can damage soft tissue and bones in the face, which can result in facial swelling and pain.

Minor injuries often heal on their own, but anyone who suspects that an injury may be more severe should receive medical attention.

Tooth abscess

Tooth decay is a common oral health condition that happens when acids break down the enamel coating of a tooth.

Untreated decay can lead to infection around the root of the tooth. If the infection becomes more severe, a pocket of pus, called an abscess, may form, leading to swelling.

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection of the salivary glands. Symptoms, including swelling in the jaw and cheeks, may appear 12–25 days after the initial infection.

Other symptoms of mumps include:

a headache
a fever
fatigue
muscle aches or chills
a loss of appetite

Salivary stones

Salivary stones are calcium deposits that form in the salivary glands. Another name for this issue is sialolithiasis.

Salivary stones most commonly affect people aged 30–60 and are more common in males.

The exact cause of salivary stones remains unknown. However, they can form when bacteria and food particles enter the salivary glands.

If a person does not receive treatment, a salivary stone can block a salivary duct and lead to an infection. of an infected salivary gland can include:

swelling in one cheek, which may feel warm
sensitivity or pain in the area
difficulty or pain when chewing or speaking
foul-tasting discharge from the infected gland
a fever

Lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis occurs when one or more lymph nodes swell in response to an infection in the area.

If the infection is in the head or neck, it may lead to swelling in one or both cheeks.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in the fat or soft tissue beneath the skin.

Alongside facial swelling, other symptoms include:

skin that feels warm
pain or tenderness in the area
a fever
chills

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is inflammation of the gums around a tooth that has only partially emerged. Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are most commonly affected.

Pericoronitis can sometimes cause intense pain.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism refers to the thyroid gland not producing enough hormones to meet the body’s demands.

Weight gain and puffiness in the face are common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Other symptoms include:

Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol.

People with Cushing’s syndrome may experience weight gain and puffiness in the face. Other symptoms include:

increased fat in or near the base of the neck
a fatty mass, or hump, between the shoulders
purple stretch marks on the abdomen, breasts, hips, or underarms
muscle or bone weakness

Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune condition in which white blood cells attack the salivary and tear glands.

People with Sjogren’s syndrome may develop swollen salivary glands, which can make their cheeks appear puffy or swollen. Other symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome include:

In a child, cheek swelling may result from:

lymphadenitis
cellulitis
Cushing’s syndrome
hypothyroidism
facial injury

If a doctor cannot identify the cause of the swelling with a physical exam, they may recommend one or more of the following tests:

CT, MRI, or X-ray imaging tests to evaluate the extent of swelling and identify structural abnormalities
blood tests to look for signs of an infection or thyroid problems
urinalysis to check for systemic infections and kidney problems
biopsy to check for cancerous cells in the mouth or throat

A doctor may prescribe or recommend various treatments to reduce cheek swelling and address the underlying cause. Medication, surgery, or both may be necessary, in some cases.

Minor injury

When swelling in a cheek results from a minor injury, it may help to:

apply a cold compress to relieve swelling and pain
keep the head elevate to stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling
gently massage the cheeks to stimulate blood flow

However, if an injury seems more severe, it is best to receive professional care.

Lymphadenitis

Cellulitis and pericoronitis

Antibiotics tend to clear cellulitis and pericoronitis — if the inflammation results from a bacterial infection. But if the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, surgery may be necessary.

Tooth abscess

A dentist or oral surgeon can treat a tooth abscess by surgically draining it and rinsing the area with saline water. They may also prescribe antibiotics.

Mumps

As with many other viral infections, no specific treatment exists for mumps. However, people can manage symptoms with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.

Vaccination is the most effective way of lowering the risk of mumps. The mumps vaccine comes in two doses and is available for children 1–12 years old.

Salivary stones

The right treatment depends on the size and number of stones.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce swelling and pain, and a doctor may try to free the stone by massaging the affected salivary gland.

If an infection develops, the doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. If one or more stones are large, they may require surgical removal.

Hypothyroidism

There is no cure for hypothyroidism, but doctors tend to prescribe synthetic hormones to account for the lack.

The dosage will depend on several factors, including current hormone levels.

Learn more about hypothyroidism treatment.

Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome responds to medications that lower cortisol production in the adrenal glands or decrease adrenocorticotropic hormone production in the pituitary gland.

Sjogren’s syndrome

A range of medications and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome, depending on the combination of symptoms and their severity.

For example, corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation and swelling.

Oral cancer

Treatment for oral cancer varies, depending on the type, location, and stage of the tumor.

Doctors can surgically remove tumors and affected lymph nodes. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can help treat advanced forms that have spread to other areas.

A person should receive immediate medical attention if sudden cheek swelling accompanies:

swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
a skin rash
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
dizziness

Swelling in one or both cheeks may result from a minor injury or infection. In other instances, the issue may be a severe infection, autoimmune condition, or oral cancer.

A range of treatments is available. Unless the cause is a minor injury, it is important to receive medical attention, especially if the swelling is sudden or severe.

In some cases, cheek swelling results from poor dental hygiene, which can lead to an infection. It is crucial to brush the teeth twice a day and follow all other dental hygiene recommendations.

If an infection seems to be healing slowly, it is important to consult the doctor or dentist. The sooner the person receives care, the better.

There are many possible causes of swelling in one or both cheeks, and some are more serious than others.

It is a good idea to consult a doctor or dentist, especially is the swelling is sudden, severe, or lasts for longer than a few days.

Is it serious? Causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Swelling in one or both cheeks can happen for a number of reasons, from a minor facial injury to an infection or a more serious underlying health issue.

In this article, we explore the causes of swollen cheeks and how doctors diagnose and treat them.

Share on PinterestSwollen cheeks may indicate a facial infection, a tooth abscess, or another medical condition.

The area of swelling can help a doctor identify the problem. For example, an infection may cause swelling in only one cheek.

Below, find more examples of causes of swelling according to the affected area:

One cheek

Conditions that may lead to swelling in one cheek include:

Inside the cheek

Swelling on the inner lining of the cheek may indicate:

Alongside swollen gums

Cheek and gum swelling often indicates an infection of the gums or a tooth abscess.

Pericoronitis, for example, is an infection that occurs around a tooth that has only partially broken through the gums, and it can lead to cheek swelling.

A wide range of issues can cause swelling in one or both cheeks, and some of these causes are more serious than others. For example:

Injury

An injury from a fall or blunt force, for example, can damage soft tissue and bones in the face, which can result in facial swelling and pain.

Minor injuries often heal on their own, but anyone who suspects that an injury may be more severe should receive medical attention.

Tooth abscess

Tooth decay is a common oral health condition that happens when acids break down the enamel coating of a tooth.

Untreated decay can lead to infection around the root of the tooth. If the infection becomes more severe, a pocket of pus, called an abscess, may form, leading to swelling.

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection of the salivary glands. Symptoms, including swelling in the jaw and cheeks, may appear 12–25 days after the initial infection.

Other symptoms of mumps include:

a headache
a fever
fatigue
muscle aches or chills
a loss of appetite

Salivary stones

Salivary stones are calcium deposits that form in the salivary glands. Another name for this issue is sialolithiasis.

Salivary stones most commonly affect people aged 30–60 and are more common in males.

The exact cause of salivary stones remains unknown. However, they can form when bacteria and food particles enter the salivary glands.

If a person does not receive treatment, a salivary stone can block a salivary duct and lead to an infection. of an infected salivary gland can include:

swelling in one cheek, which may feel warm
sensitivity or pain in the area
difficulty or pain when chewing or speaking
foul-tasting discharge from the infected gland
a fever

Lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis occurs when one or more lymph nodes swell in response to an infection in the area.

If the infection is in the head or neck, it may lead to swelling in one or both cheeks.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in the fat or soft tissue beneath the skin.

Alongside facial swelling, other symptoms include:

skin that feels warm
pain or tenderness in the area
a fever
chills

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is inflammation of the gums around a tooth that has only partially emerged. Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are most commonly affected.

Pericoronitis can sometimes cause intense pain.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism refers to the thyroid gland not producing enough hormones to meet the body’s demands.

Weight gain and puffiness in the face are common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Other symptoms include:

Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol.

People with Cushing’s syndrome may experience weight gain and puffiness in the face. Other symptoms include:

increased fat in or near the base of the neck
a fatty mass, or hump, between the shoulders
purple stretch marks on the abdomen, breasts, hips, or underarms
muscle or bone weakness

Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune condition in which white blood cells attack the salivary and tear glands.

People with Sjogren’s syndrome may develop swollen salivary glands, which can make their cheeks appear puffy or swollen. Other symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome include:

In a child, cheek swelling may result from:

lymphadenitis
cellulitis
Cushing’s syndrome
hypothyroidism
facial injury

If a doctor cannot identify the cause of the swelling with a physical exam, they may recommend one or more of the following tests:

CT, MRI, or X-ray imaging tests to evaluate the extent of swelling and identify structural abnormalities
blood tests to look for signs of an infection or thyroid problems
urinalysis to check for systemic infections and kidney problems
biopsy to check for cancerous cells in the mouth or throat

A doctor may prescribe or recommend various treatments to reduce cheek swelling and address the underlying cause. Medication, surgery, or both may be necessary, in some cases.

Minor injury

When swelling in a cheek results from a minor injury, it may help to:

apply a cold compress to relieve swelling and pain
keep the head elevate to stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling
gently massage the cheeks to stimulate blood flow

However, if an injury seems more severe, it is best to receive professional care.

Lymphadenitis

Cellulitis and pericoronitis

Antibiotics tend to clear cellulitis and pericoronitis — if the inflammation results from a bacterial infection. But if the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, surgery may be necessary.

Tooth abscess

A dentist or oral surgeon can treat a tooth abscess by surgically draining it and rinsing the area with saline water. They may also prescribe antibiotics.

Mumps

As with many other viral infections, no specific treatment exists for mumps. However, people can manage symptoms with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.

Vaccination is the most effective way of lowering the risk of mumps. The mumps vaccine comes in two doses and is available for children 1–12 years old.

Salivary stones

The right treatment depends on the size and number of stones.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce swelling and pain, and a doctor may try to free the stone by massaging the affected salivary gland.

If an infection develops, the doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. If one or more stones are large, they may require surgical removal.

Hypothyroidism

There is no cure for hypothyroidism, but doctors tend to prescribe synthetic hormones to account for the lack.

The dosage will depend on several factors, including current hormone levels.

Learn more about hypothyroidism treatment.

Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome responds to medications that lower cortisol production in the adrenal glands or decrease adrenocorticotropic hormone production in the pituitary gland.

Sjogren’s syndrome

A range of medications and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome, depending on the combination of symptoms and their severity.

For example, corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation and swelling.

Oral cancer

Treatment for oral cancer varies, depending on the type, location, and stage of the tumor.

Doctors can surgically remove tumors and affected lymph nodes. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can help treat advanced forms that have spread to other areas.

A person should receive immediate medical attention if sudden cheek swelling accompanies:

swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
a skin rash
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
dizziness

Swelling in one or both cheeks may result from a minor injury or infection. In other instances, the issue may be a severe infection, autoimmune condition, or oral cancer.

A range of treatments is available. Unless the cause is a minor injury, it is important to receive medical attention, especially if the swelling is sudden or severe.

In some cases, cheek swelling results from poor dental hygiene, which can lead to an infection. It is crucial to brush the teeth twice a day and follow all other dental hygiene recommendations.

If an infection seems to be healing slowly, it is important to consult the doctor or dentist. The sooner the person receives care, the better.

There are many possible causes of swelling in one or both cheeks, and some are more serious than others.

It is a good idea to consult a doctor or dentist, especially is the swelling is sudden, severe, or lasts for longer than a few days.

90,000 causes, symptoms, stages of treatment, prevention

Gumboil is an inflammatory lesion of the tooth periosteum. The disease, also called periostitis, is of infectious origin, develops when food particles become clogged in the inner tissues of the tooth or the gum pocket and begin to rot. As a result, a significant amount of pus accumulates inside the gums. The purulent sac expands, reaches the periosteum, causing swelling and swelling of the soft tissues of the gums and the inner side of the cheek.

The disease is accompanied by intense throbbing pain. If a person ignores the symptoms of the flux and does not go to the doctor, then the infectious process can capture the tissues of the periosteum, provoke serious complications. You can understand that a complication has begun by an increase in body temperature and unbearable pain in the area of the affected tooth.

Flux, causes of the disease

Flux can be a consequence of:

advanced caries;
basal cyst of the tooth;
tartar;
inflammation of the gum pocket;
mechanical damage to the tooth;
hypothermia of the body;
non-compliance with oral hygiene.

The most common flux provocateur is untreated caries. Through the carious opening, the infection penetrates into the inner tissues of the tooth. When the infection reaches the deepest parts of the tooth, the connective tissue becomes inflamed and loosened. Further activity of the infection leads to the development of pulpitis – inflammation of the dental nerves, accompanied by intense pain.

If pulpitis is not treated, the nerve fibers die off, pain disappears.But do not think that the infection is gone and the inflammation has gone away. Pathogenic microorganisms continue to act covertly, capture deeper and deeper tissues of the tooth, reach the root and provoke inflammation of the gums. An abscess forms in the gum, so a flux appears.

If the periosteum of the upper jaw becomes inflamed, the upper lip and the area of the face under the eye swell. If periostitis develops in the tissues of the lower jaw, then there is swelling of the chin and lower part of the cheek, and the cervical lymph nodes increase.It happens that the purulent sac ruptures on its own, pus flows into the oral cavity. But this phenomenon does not lead to the disappearance of the disease, the inflammation remains, the periosteum continues to rot.

In some people, swelling of the cheeks and gums remains after the removal of a diseased tooth. But in this case, there is no need to worry: the body simply reacted to the surgical intervention. Puffiness after tooth extraction can be observed from 2 to 5 days, then disappears on its own.

Symptoms of periostitis

The most important and noticeable sign of the flux is a pus-filled lump located in the gum near the root of the tooth, which looks like a cyst.Also, the disease is accompanied by the following symptoms:

pain in the area of the affected tooth, radiating to the back of the head, chin, brain;
increased pain due to mechanical action on a decaying tooth;
swelling and redness of the gums;
swelling of the cheek from the side of the affected tooth;
poor health, intoxication of the body;
in some cases swelling of the nose, lips, lower eyelid;
increased body temperature in the acute phase of the disease;
an increase in cervical lymph nodes.

Flux, stages of the disease

In its development, periostitis goes through several stages with certain symptoms.

Acute serous stage

Develops rapidly, within a maximum of 3 days. The tissues of the gums and the inner side of the cheeks in the area of the diseased tooth swell.

Acute purulent stage

There is intense, almost continuous, pulsating pain in the area of the affected tooth.The mucous surface of the oral cavity in the area of inflammation turns red and swells. Body temperature can rise to 38.5 ° C.

Acute diffuse stage

Edema covers almost the entire surface of the oral cavity. May spread to the nose, lips, outside of the cheek. The pain is the same as in the acute purulent stage.

Chronic stage

Develops slowly, over several months, even years.Long-term remissions are periodically replaced by short exacerbations. Chronic inflammatory process most often affects the periosteum of the lower jaw. The edema subsides somewhat, but the inflamed tissues become dense. There is an increase in lymph nodes.

Features of the flux flow in adults and children

In adults, periostitis is often diagnosed. Due to bad habits or ignorance of the rules of oral hygiene, teeth are destroyed, and adult men and women are usually in no hurry to go to the dentist.As a result, neglected dental diseases lead to inflammation of the root tissues of the teeth. The symptomatology of the flux in adults is, in most cases, pronounced. Folk remedies and antiseptic drugs only relieve pain and relieve swelling, but do not extinguish inflammation. Therefore, you will still have to visit a doctor if there is no desire to face a more serious dental disease.

Gumboil is also diagnosed in children, but differs in mild symptoms. This is explained by the fact that in babies, immunity is not as active as in adults, therefore, it cannot fully resist the spread of infection and the development of a purulent sac.But the stages and main signs of the disease in children are the same as in adult patients. At the first manifestations of periostitis, the child must be immediately taken to the dentist, otherwise the weak child’s body will face dangerous complications.

Consequences of neglected periostitis

Periostitis is a serious inflammatory disease accompanied by the formation of a large amount of pus and intense pain. Pathology will not disappear on its own, a visit to a doctor is mandatory.

Ignoring the flux leads to the following serious problems.

Abscess

In most cases, it occurs with prolonged presence of a purulent sac near the wisdom tooth. A purulent formation grows, as a result an abscess is formed.

Phlegmon

Spilled inflammation appears after rupture of a purulent sac, if the patient ignores the doctor’s recommendations, does not treat the wound with prescribed solutions, refuses to take antibiotics.

Jaw osteomyelitis

It is a consequence of a very long existing gumboil. In this case, the inflammation flows from the periosteum to the jawbone.

Inflammation of the cranial sinuses

Also occurs with very long-term flux. Inflammation captures the sphenoid, frontal, maxillary sinus. In especially advanced cases of infection, it is possible to penetrate the brain tissue.

Treatment of flux

Teeth should be treated in a timely manner to avoid destruction of the pulp and suppuration of the periosteum.

At the initial stage of the flux, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are used to stop the spread of inflammation. An abscess on the gum must be opened so that the pus comes out. The resulting wound must be treated with antiseptic solutions. So that the wound does not heal ahead of time and all the pus flows out safely, sometimes you have to use drainage.Surgical manipulations are performed under infiltration anesthesia.

After all surgical procedures, the dentist will prescribe medication and physiotherapy to the patient. These therapeutic measures help to kill the remnants of the infection, completely extinguish inflammation, and relieve swelling. Antibiotics are usually prescribed “Amoxiclav” and “Doxycycline”. Recently, antibacterial drugs “Lincosamide” and “Metronidazole” have also become widespread in dentistry.These medicines destroy the remaining infection in the gums. However, antibiotics should only be taken under strict medical supervision.

Postoperative therapy includes, in addition to taking antibiotics, treating the wound with antiseptics. To strengthen immunity and prevent complications, it is recommended to take vitamin complexes.

From physiotherapeutic procedures, the patient is prescribed iodine-potassium electrophoresis and UHF therapy. These therapeutic measures extinguish inflammation, relieve pain, have an antibacterial effect, and accelerate the regeneration of gum tissue.

Postoperative therapy must not be interrupted. Treatment can be completed when the wound has completely healed and all symptoms have disappeared. During postoperative therapy, it is imperative to adhere to the following recommendations:

Do not use warming compresses, as they stimulate the growth of bacteria;
Do not use antibiotics and folk remedies without the agreement of a doctor;
do not take aspirin and medications containing this substance before the wound is healed;
Seek medical attention immediately if intense pain after opening the abscess persists for more than 8 hours.

Prevention of flux

Since the most common cause of flux is advanced caries, the main preventive measures are oral cavity care and timely elimination of dental diseases. Teeth should be brushed 2 times a day using a soft to medium-hard brush. After eating, you should use dental floss and rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Instead of a pharmacy rinse, you can use an aqueous solution of alcohol tincture of propolis or sea and food salt.Dentists recommend periodically removing tartar, which is the main breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria.

Fresh fruits and vegetables must be present in the daily diet. It is recommended to eat carrots, apples and other solid plant products, as they strengthen the gums and cleanse tooth enamel well from plaque.

Preventive examination by the dentist should be carried out 2 times a year. It must be remembered that diseases of the oral cavity are easily eliminated only at the initial stage.

Please note that with acute conditions we accept out of turn!

Why does the cheek swell after tooth extraction – Dentistry President

After tooth extraction, patients often experience swelling, the cheek swells and becomes numb. In most cases, this is the norm and the body’s natural response to surgery. But sometimes a swelling in the cheek area can signal the development of complications.

In what cases you shouldn’t worry, and in what cases you should seek help from the clinic, we will try to find out.

The reasons why the cheek swells after tooth extraction

After tooth extraction, an inflammatory process occurs in the soft tissues of the oral cavity – this is the main cause of edema and swelling. If the operation was performed correctly and the patient followed all the dentist’s recommendations, non-infectious inflammation will go away on its own, without antibiotics and complications, and pain and swelling will go away with it.

The duration of the swelling varies, depending on the method of the operation, on which tooth was removed, on the state of the oral cavity, and finally, on the physical condition of the patient and his immune system.On average, puffiness lasts 3-4 days, but it can stretch for 7 days. If after a week the tumor has not subsided, this is a sign of a complication and a reason to consult a specialist.

Swelling appears several hours after the operation (after the termination of the anesthesia). In parallel, the patient may feel aching pain, and an ichor is released from the wound. A slight increase in temperature is allowed. All of these symptoms are considered natural and not dangerous. And pain relievers can be taken to relieve pain.

The maximum puffiness is recorded for 3-4 days, from this moment it begins to decrease and by the seventh day it completely disappears. But the cheek can also swell right after depulpation, this happens if the patient had a flux and the tumor developed even before the operation.

Tumor of the cheek when removing a wisdom tooth

Extraction of extreme molars (wisdom teeth) – is considered one of the most difficult operations to remove teeth. It is accompanied by a soft tissue incision and suture, so inflammation after it is inevitable.Swelling after wisdom teeth extraction lasts longer and is painful.

Moreover, a fever may persist for several days, it is difficult for the patient to swallow, he experiences pain when opening his mouth and during speech.

At the same time, there is a risk of infection and serious inflammation, therefore, after depulping the extreme molars, it is necessary to take antibiotics and rinse your mouth with antiseptic solutions.

Other causes of swelling of the cheek

Along with natural, so-called non-infectious inflammation, there are other causes of cheek swelling:

tooth extraction against the background of a flux;
Extraction with complications – in case of incorrect inclination or direction of tooth growth, removal of massive teeth and teeth with long roots;
the presence of infection and inflammation in soft tissues;
allergic reaction to medication or anesthesia;
Individual intolerance to the components of medicinal or anesthetic drugs;
extraction errors, insufficient antiseptic treatment of the oral cavity and residual infection;
the presence of chronic diseases – hypertension, neuralgia, psychoemotional pathologies;
non-compliance by the patient with the recommendations of the dental surgeon, refusal from prescribed antibiotics or reducing their dosage.

The most common cause of the tumor is improper care of the oral cavity, lack of disinfectant treatment with antiseptics and missed medication.

Possible complications

If, after seven days, the tumor not only did not pass, but also increased, became denser, this gives out a progressive inflammatory process.

Other symptoms may appear at the same time: pain in the gums and cheeks (aching, cutting, throbbing), redness of the cheeks and gums, fever, weakness, loss of appetite, headache.

What complications can inflammation lead to:

Alveolitis or “dry socket” – after the extraction of a tooth, a blood clot forms in the formed socket. It serves as a protection and barrier to bacteria and protects the wound from infection. If it is somehow removed, soft tissues remain unprotected, pathogenic bacteria penetrate into them and suppuration begins. In advanced cases, the inflammation spreads to other areas of the jaw, not only the cheek swells, but also the cheekbones and even the eye area.
If, in addition to the tumor, the patient experiences severe pain in the jaw, this may indicate the development of osteomyelitis – inflammation of the bone tissue. The swelling on the cheek grows, moving to the cheekbones and other parts of the face, the pain spreads to both jaws, the patient experiences pain when opening the mouth. If you do not consult a specialist in time, the disease can lead to blood poisoning.
Gum abscess – purulent inflammation inside the gum tissue. Dangerous spread of inflammation to other tissues, loosening and loss of teeth.
Periostitis of the jaw (flux) – jaw inflammation, characterized by fever and severe pain in the jaw and temporal lobe. If untreated, the flux can pass to the infraorbital region. In a chronic form, it can turn into osteomyelitis.
Neuritis – damage to the facial nerve, accompanied by severe pain and swelling. A distinctive symptom is swelling of the larynx, palate, tongue, cheeks.

Each of the listed complications can cause serious consequences, which is why it is so important to diagnose and treat on time.

How to eliminate swelling of the cheek

It is impossible to remove the tumor completely until the inflammatory process stops, but it is possible to reduce it and minimize discomfort and pain. This can be done with ice and cold compresses. You need to apply a compress every half hour, but no longer than 10-15 minutes, otherwise it can cause hypothermia and tissue necrosis.

In addition, you can drink pain relieving analgesics, make baths and rinses with an antiseptic solution.Take antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor. This will clear up the infection and speed up tissue healing.

In general, cheek puffiness is normal if it occurs a couple of hours after tooth extraction and has passed no later than the seventh day after it. In all other cases, immediate specialist advice, diagnosis and treatment are required.

Causes of the appearance of flux

Advanced form of caries.
Complications after poor quality treatment of pulpitis.
Mechanical damage to the gums.
Hypothermia.
Jaw injuries.
Complications after tooth extraction.
Consequences of the transferred flu or sore throat.
Inflammation of the pocket.

If you do not perform prompt treatment, there will be a threat of deletion. An ignored periostitis can launch an infection into the entire circulatory system, threatening the body.

Varieties of flux

Ordinary. Pathogenic bacteria are not involved, but periosteal infiltration is present.
Fibrous. Occurs after exposure of the gingival tissue to irritants. The periosteum thickens, a chronic form develops.
Purulent. Appears as a result of the formation of sores on the gums, where painful bacteria have entered. May be an addition to purulent osteomyelitis.
Serous albuminous. The disease is inflammatory.
Ossifying. Prolonged irritation of the periosteum.It is also a chronic disease.

This is not such a rare disease, because many people know what a flux is and how to deal with it.

Symptoms of tooth abscess

Swollen lips and gums. The face is distorted.
Severe pain in the area of the causative tooth. When tapped, it gives off to the temple or eye socket.
Enlargement, induration of lymph nodes in the head and neck.
Pathological mobility of the diseased element of the dentition.
General malaise: weakness, fever up to 38 degrees, persistent headache.

How to approach flux treatment in 2020

The method of treatment depends on the site of localization, as well as the form of inflammation. First, the dentist will take a panoramic image of the teeth to assess the condition of the root. After that, therapy will be prescribed. If you contact at an early stage, you can limit yourself to taking a strong antibiotic, as well as pain medications.A neglected purulent form is treated with surgery under local anesthesia. An incision is made next to the diseased tooth, through which all the pus is removed. Then a series of antiseptic actions are performed. In some cases, drainage may be left in the cut for better drainage of contaminated fluid. Such manipulation allows you to quickly relieve swelling and eliminate the possibility of blood poisoning. In the worst case, the tooth will be removed.

Stages of drug treatment

Removal of puffiness with antibiotics and antibacterial drugs.They are selected individually, taking into account the nature of the disease and the patient’s health condition.
Elimination of the cause of the abscess.

If there are periodic exacerbations, then periostitis becomes a chronic ailment, the doctor prescribes strengthening drugs: calcium glucanate and immunomodulators, vitamin complexes.

Tooth abscess in children

The reasons for its appearance are most often associated with complicated caries. When pathogenic microorganisms, being in dental tissues, release acids that destroy enamel and cause inflammation.It is worth considering that in childhood there is still a fairly thin enamel and an extensive pulp chamber, and this contributes to the rapid penetration of the infection inside, as well as the not yet fully formed immune system, which is not yet able to cope with the multiplication of bacteria.

Symptoms

The manifestation of pathology in children can be expressed by the following signs:

Raising the temperature to 38 – 39 and above;
Enlargement of the submandibular lymph and cervical nodes;
Refusal to eat;
Capriciousness;
The appearance of a toothache.
The onset of edema.

After the examination, the doctor proceeds to treat the abscess of the tooth by opening it so that all the pus can escape. After that, the child is prescribed rinsing to prevent the onset of inflammation, and antibiotics. If the measures taken do not help, the milk tooth is removed. If necessary, the dentist will prescribe symptomatic therapy, in the form of antipyretic and analgesic devices. To strengthen the body’s immune defenses, it is recommended to take vitamins at the stage of recovery.

If you do not have the opportunity to urgently consult a doctor, then information on how to anesthetize the flux at home will be useful. Gargling with decoctions of medicinal plants such as sage, St. John’s wort, yarrow, calamus root or strong green tea produces high-quality disinfection, quickly relieves swelling, and significantly reduces pain. This is only a temporary measure that will not cure the disease. Disinfection will help delay the negative consequences for a while. Everyone knows what to do if the temperature with the flux in an adult rises above 38: take an antipyretic that suits you.Exacerbations will be repeated until the flux is gone.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How to remove a tooth abscess?

For a start, it is worth contacting qualified doctors who will help correct the situation. In most cases, to treat the flux, surgical intervention is required – to open the abscess and remove the pus. Dentists “Dudko and Sons” in Minsk perform such an operation effectively and without pain. Gums are also treated with antibiotics and antibacterial drugs prescribed by your doctor.

How to rinse the flux on the tooth to break it?

If the gums are swollen and the tooth hurts, we recommend that you rinse your mouth with various antiseptic and antimicrobial drugs (eg chlorhexidine). In addition to all this, you can rinse with sodium salt solution, sage decoctions, calendula tincture. The main thing to remember is that breaking through the flux does not mean curing it. Treatment of the causative tooth is necessary, otherwise the cheek will swell again after a while.

What to do after the abscess is healed?

Pay attention to the condition of your teeth, especially the presence of caries or pulpitis, which directly cause the appearance of flux in the oral cavity.This may indicate that the person has significantly more serious diseases of the oral cavity, which can be identified and treated by doctors in our clinic. The abscess is often chronic; in these situations, patients receive flux treatment with immunomodulators, vitamins, antibiotics, etc.

Purulent tooth abscess: symptoms and treatment

What is it?
Tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection of the inside of the tooth.

Tooth abscess usually occurs as a result of leaving untreated carious cavity, or the presence of a crack or chip in the tooth, which allows bacteria to enter the tooth.

Treatment of a tooth abscess includes draining the abscess and cleaning the affected area from infection. The tooth itself can be preserved by cleaning the canals, but in some cases it may be necessary to remove it. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, consequences.

Tooth abscess prevention requires proper dental care, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits.

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:

Severe, persistent throbbing toothache

Sensitivity to high and low temperatures

Sensitivity to pressure when chewing or biting

Fever

Swelling (edema) of the face or cheek

Sensitive, swollen lymph nodes under the mandible or in the neck

Sudden breakthrough of unpleasant tasting and odor liquid in the mouth and cessation of pain after abscess burst

When to see your doctor
Visit your dentist right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of a tooth abscess.If you experience a fever and swelling of your face and your dentist is not available, go to the emergency room. Fever and swelling of the face may indicate an infection spreading deep into the jaw and surrounding tissue or even to other areas of the body.

Causes
Tooth abscess occurs when bacteria invade the pulp of the tooth, the soft inner part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Bacteria penetrate a carious cavity or a chip or crack in a tooth and spread to the root.A bacterial infection causes inflammation and swelling. The limited space in which inflammation occurs causes pus to be squeezed into a cavity (also called an abscess pocket) at the apex of the root.

Risk factors
The following factors contribute to the increased risk of tooth abscess:

Lack of dental hygiene. Inappropriate care of teeth and gums, such as not flossing and brushing twice a day, can increase the risk of tooth decay, periodontitis, tooth abscess and other dental and oral diseases and complications.

· A diet high in sugar. Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar, such as baked goods and sweets, contributes to the formation of cavities and, in turn, tooth abscess.

· Associated health problems. Having a medical condition that weakens your immune system, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease, can increase your risk of tooth infection and tooth abscess.

Complications
Tooth abscess does not go away without treatment.In the case of self-opening of the abscess, a significant reduction in pain is possible, but the need for dental treatment does not pass. If the abscess is not drained, the infection can spread to the tissues of the lower jaw and other areas of the head and neck. It can even lead to sepsis, a common, life-threatening infection.

A tooth abscess left untreated with a weakened immune system is associated with an increased risk of infection spread compared to a normally functioning immune system.

Research and diagnostics
In addition to examining the tooth and the surrounding area, the dentist may conduct one or more of the following examinations:

Tapping the affected tooth. A tooth with an abscess at the root is usually sensitive to touch or pressure.

Roentgen. X-rays of a diseased tooth can help identify an abscess. X-rays or other imaging procedures, such as CT scans, can also be used to determine if infection has spread, with abscesses developing elsewhere.

Laboratory analyzes. In some cases, knowledge of the bacteria that cause infection can be useful for targeted treatment, especially if first-line antibiotics have failed.

Treatment and drugs
The goal of treatment is to drain the abscess and eliminate the infection. To achieve it, the dentist can:

· Perform depulpation. This procedure can help clear up infection and preserve the tooth.To do this, the dentist drills the tooth, removes the affected central tissue (pulp) and drains the abscess. The pulp chamber and root canals of the tooth are filled and sealed. The dentist can then place a crown on the tooth. With proper care, a restored tooth can last a lifetime.

Remove the affected tooth. If the affected tooth cannot be preserved, the dentist will remove the tooth and drain the abscess to clear up the infection.

Prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics may not be needed if the infection is limited to an abscess site. However, if the infection spreads to nearby teeth, lower jaw, or other areas, the dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading. Antibiotics can also be recommended if the immune system is weakened.

Lifestyle & Home Remedies
While the affected area is healing, your dentist may recommend the following steps to relieve discomfort:

Mouthwash with warm salt water

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed

Prevention
To prevent tooth abscess, it is necessary to exclude the development of caries.Good dental care is key to avoiding tooth decay. It includes:

Use of fluorinated drinking water

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste

Daily use of dental floss or interdental cleaner

Replace the toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles are worn

Balanced diet and limiting sugar-containing foods and snacks between meals

Visit to the dentist for regular examination and professional oral hygiene

It is possible to use an antibacterial or fluoride-containing rinse for additional protection against caries

90,000 After removal of the swollen gums or cheek

Tooth extraction is usually a necessity.In modern clinics that work according to world standards, they will try to save the tooth using all possible methods of treatment. And only if the diseased tooth does not respond to therapy and threatens health, it will be recommended to remove it. Therefore, when a swelling of the cheeks and gums appears after the removal of a problem tooth, this is not unusual.

Usually the gum swells after tooth extraction, if:

during the operation, the integrity of the mucous membrane is violated and injury occurs – the more difficult the removal was, the greater the injury and the stronger the edema
previously had severe inflammation and an abscess, which was cleaned out during surgery
A wisdom tooth with complex and large roots was extracted

In these cases, swelling of the gums and cheeks is a normal reaction of the body.Typically, the gum swells within 24 hours of tooth extraction. There is nothing to worry about: the swelling often goes away on its own. It just takes time to heal. Usually a few days are enough for the gums to return to normal, if there are no complications.

It is possible to determine if everything is good by the symptoms:

gum swells within 24 hours after tooth extraction
body temperature is normal or slightly elevated
the gum may hurt, but the soreness is quite tolerable
swelling and pain gradually disappear, after 2-3 days they are gone

With a normal reaction to tooth extraction, strict adherence to all the doctor’s recommendations will help reduce discomfort.There are several points that you need to be aware of, so that after the operation, the healing of the gums passes faster, the swelling quickly disappears and an inflammatory process does not occur.

Important rules after surgery:

Do not touch the wound
After tooth extraction, the body heals itself: a blood clot forms in the hole, which closes the wound from infections. It is very important to keep it intact to avoid inflammation. Care should be taken when eating, brushing your teeth, and rinsing your mouth.
Observe restrictions
Do not eat or drink for four hours after tooth extraction. And then you need to refrain from spicy, sweet, salty foods, alcohol and smoking for a few more days. To avoid unpleasant consequences, do not eat food or drinks that are too hot or cold.
Make a compress
Applying cold outside for a few minutes every half hour will help reduce swelling in the gums and cheeks.This simple remedy for relieving discomfort is useful only immediately after tooth extraction and during the first day. In the following days, the compress is contraindicated.
Follow doctor’s recommendations
When prescribing, take all recommended drugs, observe the time of admission and dosage, do not stop taking it yourself.

Swelling of the gums and cheeks as a sign of complications

Most often, deterioration after tooth extraction occurs from non-compliance with the recommendations for caring for the hole.If infections have penetrated into it, then acute inflammation develops, the gums and cheek swell even more. You need to get an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible.

Do not waste time and hurry to dentistry if:

The cheek is very swollen and the swelling is growing, although more than two days have passed since the extraction of the tooth
there is intense throbbing pain that only gets worse
the temperature has risen above 38 degrees and does not drop for more than 1-2 days
painful when swallowing, pain in the cheek worsens when the jaw moves
general health worsens

The doctor will thoroughly clean the hole and treat the wound surface with an antiseptic solution.Re-surgery and antibiotic therapy may be required. After treatment, the swelling will subside and the cheek and gums will return to their normal size.

Come to the Center for Contemporary Dentistry. Our specialists will carry out a gentle and painless removal of even complex teeth. Doctors will provide emergency assistance for swelling of the gums and acute pain, eliminate complications after tooth extraction and help restore health.

reasons for the appearance of flux on the site “Martinka”

Each mother tries to protect her child from various diseases.But sometimes even regular brushing and restricting sweets do not help to avoid dental pathologies. But the whole danger is that they develop very quickly and make themselves felt even in the presence of edema or severe pain. Edema is especially dangerous. It is a symptom of a flux. This is a very dangerous condition that requires treatment. Therefore, every mother should know how the flux manifests itself in a child, what to do when it is detected and what complications it can cause.

Causes and symptoms of flux

A child’s flux develops for various reasons.Most often, the inflammatory process is caused by infection in the periapecal region. The pathogenic bacteria that provoke the flux can enter both with the blood stream and through the injured tissue. As a result, pus forms in the affected area and edema appears.

The disease is characterized by severe pain. The swelling gradually spreads to the surrounding tissues and can affect the entire cheek, infraorbital region, nose and lips. In some children, the flux of milk teeth is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, but this symptom is not necessary.

Separately, you need to consider the flux when teething. Pericoronitis develops when the tooth cannot erupt on its own, which leads to gum inflammation. As a rule, gum flux with this pathology is accompanied by hyperemia and swelling. In addition, the gums can be injured as a result of being bitten by adjacent teeth.

The flux can occur in acute and chronic form. Acute is characterized by pronounced symptoms.Chronic can occur as a result of improperly performed treatment or after ineffective therapy of an acute process. Despite the absence of edema, the infection gradually spreads to the surrounding tissues, affecting the entire periosteum. The whole danger of the chronic course of the flux is that the presence of an inflammatory process negatively affects not only the condition of milk teeth, but also the rudiments of permanent ones. As a result of this, even after the elimination of the chronic process, permanent teeth grow already affected, and there is also a violation of their eruption and location.

It is important to remember: if a flux appears on the cheek, you need to see the dentist as soon as possible and carry out treatment.

First aid

Considering what complications the flux can cause in a child, only a doctor should carry out treatment. If you do not have the opportunity to see the dentist, first aid is required. It consists in the following procedures:

rinsing the mouth with chamomile broth or soda;
Treatment of swollen gums with iodine solution using a cotton swab;
applying something cold.

You cannot give pills on your own. So you will only remove the symptoms of the flux, which will provoke the formation of a chronic process.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment of pathology is carried out in two ways:

conservative, that is, with the preservation of the tooth;
surgical – with tooth extraction.

The first method is used only in cases where it is required to preserve the tooth by any means.It is more suitable for adult patients. Children have milk teeth, so surgical intervention is preferred.

Tooth extraction and cleaning of the focus are performed under local anesthesia. After antiseptic treatment, a drug is placed in the hole. If necessary, drainage can be used to allow the accumulated pus to drain freely.

Given that the cause of the flux in a child is always associated with pathogenic bacteria, antibiotics will be mandatory.They are prescribed in an individual dosage in a course of 5 days.

Physiotherapy treatments can be used to accelerate recovery. After eliminating the flux, you need to carefully monitor the state of the oral cavity in order to notice deviations in time. This is especially true for the chronic course.

Thus, we can conclude that, even if you know how to treat the flux, you should not try to get rid of it yourself. This approach threatens with complications that are dangerous for the child.Therefore, at the first symptoms of pathology, immediately consult a doctor.

Swelling after implantation of the upper and lower teeth to remove long swelling after removal

Tooth implantation is a surgical procedure, after which the face swells in 95% of cases. Such a course of the rehabilitation period is considered normal if it lasts no more than 5 – 7 days. After the specified time, the swelling after the implantation of the teeth disappears, and other uncomfortable sensations disappear. Why this happens, when to worry, and when not, we’ll talk in this article.

Why does edema occur after tooth extraction and implantation?

Any surgical intervention is an injury, therefore, edema during dental implantation is considered a completely normal and natural reaction of the body. The reason is simple: in the maxillofacial area there are a huge number of capillaries and blood vessels that cannot be avoided during the operation.

The nature of the swelling after dental implantation depends on the following factors:

degree and number of injuries sustained by the patient during the procedure
reactions of the body to the implant (prolonged edema after implantation of a tooth in the upper or lower jaw may indicate rejection of a foreign body)
professionalism of the dentist and the quality of the operation
patient compliance with care recommendations, drug intake schedule

It is important not only to choose the right clinic and doctor, but also to follow the advice of a specialist during the rehabilitation period.

Dental implantation: how long does the edema last?

Some patients begin to sound the alarm immediately after the procedure, faced with the first “side effects”. Pain and swollen face after dental implantation are not a sign of pathology or poor quality dentist work. These “symptoms” appear after a couple of hours. Edema after surgery often goes away on its own in a week and a half, as well as other uncomfortable sensations.

If the swelling of the face after dental implantation has not disappeared after 7 days, it is worth making an appointment with the dentist.This will avoid further complications.

Often the resulting swelling begins to “subside” after 2 – 3 days, and by 5 – 7 it becomes completely invisible. If exactly the opposite happens, you should consult your doctor. Lack of timely treatment can lead to re-implantitis – inflammation of the dentin area around the post, which is even worse – to implant rejection.

Edema and pain after dental implantation: signs of pathology

As a result of surgical intervention, the maxillofacial area begins to ache and swell, and redness forms around the artificial root.It is worth reacting to this and contacting a doctor in cases when the following symptoms are observed:

hematomas in places where edema is localized after implantation of the teeth of the upper jaw
Presence of inflammation and redness around the post and prosthesis
increased body temperature (for a week or more)
bloody and purulent discharge from the hole
severe pain radiating to other areas of the maxillofacial system

The indicated manifestations of pathologies can be the result of damage to the facial nerve, the result of poor-quality dental treatment, as well as non-compliance with the doctor’s recommendations.

Successful rehabilitation is half dependent on the patient. Follow the dentist’s advice – and the swelling of the cheek after tooth implantation will not bother you in 3 – 7 days!

Basic guidelines for post-treatment care

In order for the postoperative condition to give the patient a minimum of discomfort, dentists recommend observing the following conditions:

1. Do not eat earlier than 2 – 3 hours after implantation of the artificial root.
2. Suspend the use of the sauna, taking a hot bath. Cold is needed to relieve swelling, not blood flow.
3. At first, distribute the chewing load on the other side in order to reduce trauma and accelerate healing.
4. Once or twice a day, apply a compress with ice to the swollen cheek (keep no more than 20 minutes).
5. Treat the wound with antiseptic agents, use dental paste, rinse.
6. Maintain oral hygiene by using gentle products and a toothbrush with soft fibers, eliminate dental floss.

Experienced implantologists advise avoiding alcohol and smoking, as well as making a menu based on soft and grated products. At first, it is better to refrain from strongly hot or cold dishes, coffee. Often, to increase immunity, it is recommended to take vitamin complexes. This has a positive effect on the patient’s well-being and speeds up the rehabilitation process.

How to reduce swelling after dental implantation: effective methods

It will not be possible to avoid discomfort, but minimizing it is a very real idea. If your face and cheek are swollen after dental implantation, you can use proven medicines and tools:

Pain relievers. Pain sensations are effectively relieved by Nurofen, Nimesil and other drugs, which contain the active ingredient nimesulide.
Anti-inflammatory. Taking antibiotics (Amoxiclav, Augmentin and others) is recommended according to a clear scheme or systematically.
Antiseptic solutions. You can use Chlorhexidine, dilute a Furacilin tablet in water, or use a decoction of chamomile, calendula.

Before starting medication, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Do not neglect your own health, and at the first manifestations of postoperative complications, contact a specialist.Timely diagnosis and prescription of an optimal anti-inflammatory drug regimen will help to avoid further problems