Well, if you guessed a dentist then you’re right! Surprised? Don’t be! A dentist is highly trained in facial anatomy and they can help diagnose the cause of your swelling and provide proper treatment.
So don’t ignore that pesky swelling, head to your dentist today and get the care you need. You may not think of it often but dental health plays an important role in overall body health.
In this article, you’ll read all about the most common causes as well as the most effective treatments for puffy cheeks – and learn what you can do about your own fat cheek.
If your cheek swells suddenly, it indicates dental problems or other mouth diseases.
- While a fat cheek can be painful – that’s not always the case.
- Despite this, you should monitor the swelling quite closely to avoid serious consequences.
In this article you will learn the most common causes & more information on treatment. In addition, I still go into a few home remedies & tips that you can use to relieve the swelling.
But it’s still important to see a doctor to find out the exact causes of your swollen cheek
Only a doctor can say for sure what treatment is needed or whether the swelling will go down on its own.
Signs of inflammation
A swollen cheek – or colloquially called a thick cheek – can be recognized by the following signs:
- One cheek is noticeably thicker than the other
- Often this is accompanied by redness
- The cheek is overheated & hot
- You have a toothache (is not always the case!)
Many times, a fat cheek is also accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding gums, temperature-sensitive teeth, or swollen gums.
Causes of a fat cheek
The causes of a fat cheek can be many and varied. Therefore, it is all the more important that you clarify exactly what the problem actually is before taking any medication.
Tooth inflammation
Tooth inflammation is one of the most common causes of a swollen cheek and swollen lymph nodes
- Triggers are, for example, caries (tooth decay) or bacteria. If the pathogens get inside the tooth unnoticed, they will damage your tooth there for months.
- If you do nothing for a long period of time against bad teeth, the bacteria can reach the roots of the teeth, which leads to inflammation
This entails swelling, which usually leads to a thick cheek. Inflammation of the tooth root is usually accompanied by a throbbing constant pain in the tooth.
Untreated, the bacteria also attack the rest of the tooth & can make for painful cavities.
Dental surgery
Often there is swelling of the cheek after surgery.
- An example of such surgery is the removal of wisdom teeth
- It is a side effect that is quite normal and common.
During surgery, the tissues become so irritated and overloaded that swelling occurs, which usually subsides after a few days.
Root treatments
Root canal treatment is a complex dental procedure that can cause irritation and tissue damage within the oral cavity
Although the doctor tries to perform the procedure as gently as possible (known as minimally invasive dental treatment), he or she cannot completely prevent irritation.
- Swelling is a reaction that can occur in the aftermath.
- The thick cheek usually disappears quite quickly on its own, however.
If not, the treated physician should be consulted.
Abscesses
An abscess (boil) is caused by bacteria that become isolated in the mouth.
If pus collects in the cheek, it can cause swelling & pain.
The pathogens enter the oral cavity either through the bloodstream or through small infections.
The skin around the abscess is often red or heated, causing the cheek to swell.
- How painful an abscess is depends on how large it is and where it is located.
- It can cause restrictions (depending on location) on chewing or opening the mouth.
Even brushing with an electric toothbrush can be painful (especially the rotating Oral-B toothbrushes are often not for sensitive teeth – here, gentler sonic toothbrushes or even ultrasonic toothbrushes have an advantage.
An abscess must be treated by a dentist. For this, you will be given anesthesia, because the abscess must be opened to allow the pus to drain.
After that, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to fight bacterial foci & to help healing.
Thick cheek inward (due to an irritated mucosa)
In some cases, the cheek is swollen exclusively towards the oral cavity. Usually, in this case, there are injuries to the mucosa.
The wound can usually be spied by the dentist fairly quickly during an examination.
- For small wounds, he probably advises to simply wait for the wound to regenerate itself.
- For deeper wounds, however, he also prescribes an anti-inflammatory drug for healing.
It is important to bring the flora of your mouth & the mucous membrane back into balance.
In addition to medication also helps a renunciation of alcohol & nicotine (here’s more info on dental care as a smoker).
In general, consistent dental care with electric toothbrush & dental floss also helps.
Reasons for a numb feeling in the cheek
If you experience a numb feeling in your cheek, it may be a sign of inflammation or damage to a facial nerve
The inflammation of the cheek may be spreading to nerves all over the face & causing numbness.
- In that case, the neurologist is the right person to contact (in addition to the dentist)
- Alternatively, this feeling can also occur after dental surgery or dental treatment.
In such a case, however, your treating dentist will certainly inform you about the possible side effects.
Swollen cheek associated with eye swelling
If the swollen cheek appears in conjunction with a swollen eye, extreme caution is advised. This is an indication of a bacterial infection with possible pus formation.
In the worst case, an inflammation of this type can spread to the brain and lead to meningitis. It is therefore urgent that a dentist be consulted immediately.
Thick Cheek Without Pain
A thick cheek can certainly develop without pain for the affected person.
- It can be caused, for example, by an abscess that does not cause pain at the time.
- Also other causes such as allergies can provide for a painless swelling of the cheek (or only hurt after some time).
This is why you should not forgo a visit to the dentist – because only he is able to evaluate the situation and, if necessary, initiate treatment steps.
Thick cheek in children – what to consider
A fat cheek can, of course, also occur in children
- The causes can be, as in adults, problems in the dental area (because these are also present in milk teeth).
- It should also be noted that a thick cheek in children can often be an indication of mumps disease.
For this reason, you should always take your little ones to the doctor – because it may be something other than a dental disease.
When brushing, you should be careful even with special children’s toothbrushes so as not to cause any damage.
Treatment options for a swollen cheek
What treatment looks like depends on what is causing your swollen cheek
- After an initial examination with the dentist, he or she will suggest treatment steps to address the problem.
- If necessary, he may simply ask you to wait until the swelling subsides. In other cases, he will prescribe antibiotics to prevent inflammation from spreading and to help it subside quickly.
- If an inflammation has already penetrated into the roots of the tooth, it must be cleaned & treated in advance.
The procedure varies from case to case and should be discussed individually with your doctor.
What you can do yourself against a fat cheek
If the swelling occurs after a dental procedure, it is a normal reaction that usually subsides within a short period of time.
Home remedies relieve swelling & promote healing.
You can help make this happen as quickly as possible by following a few tips:
- Cooling: Cool your cheek with a cold compress or ice cubes. However, make sure that your skin is not exposed to too much cooling. You can wrap the ice cubes in a towel, for example. Also, do not cool continuously, but in intervals of 15 minutes with 15-minute cooling breaks.
- Rinse: Rinse your mouth of a mouthwash or with chamomile. The home remedy has an anti-inflammatory effect and thus leads to a faster relief of the symptoms.
- Avoid strenuous activities: As long as the cheek is swollen, you should refrain from sports or strenuous activities, such as housework and gardening.
- A healthy diet: Through a conscious and healthy diet, the immune system is supported and tolerates the painkillers better.
- Attention to proper oral hygiene: During the recovery process, you should only brush your teeth extra gently, as the wound should not be irritated or stressed.
As a preventive measure (and after the swelling has subsided), it is best to resort to electric toothbrushes that compensate for faulty technique.
Currently recommended are the Oral-B Genius 10000, Oral-B Smart 6000, Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart (Stiftung Warentest test winner, but outrageously expensive), the Oral-B Pro 2 2000 or the Oral-B Pulsonic Slim Luxe.
Another insider tip is oral irrigators like the Sonicare Airfloss (which clean the spaces between teeth far more comfortably than dental floss).
Tip: The article Relieving Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Surgery offers many helpful tips to soothe cheek irritation. It’s best to read on there if you want to know more about the topic.
The consequences of untreated cheek problems
Since the reasons for a swollen cheek range from fairly harmless to very threatening, if in doubt, you should always see a dentist as soon as possible.
- Only he can properly diagnose the cause & suggest a suitable treatment. So do not be afraid of the dentist.
- It is true that a thick cheek often also swells down on its own – but in some cases, the condition of your mouth also worsens.
An inflammation caused by bacteria or an abscess you usually do not get away by home remedies or a suitable dental care – here only antibiotics & professional therapies help.
Preventive care & a healthy oral flora are still worthwhile
Nevertheless, it never hurts to give some thought to your dental hygiene
- The less harmful plaque & tartar accumulates in the mouth, the less likely inflammation of the gums & secondary diseases such as periodontal disease.
- A consistent dental care but not only saves unpleasant (and expensive!) Visits to the dentist, but also still brings a bright smile & white teeth.
Browse best in the dental care guides on this page or learn what helps with common dental problems.
Take some time and spruce up your bathroom routine. It can be as simple as getting a new toothbrush like the Oral-B Pro 3000 to help with brushing.
Likely, there are a few things you can improve about your dental care routine, too. It’s best to start today to prevent not only chubby cheeks, but other dental diseases as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuHm0snjGYc
Cheek swelling can occur due to various factors such as dental issues, jaw problems, infections, or even allergies. The swelling can range from mild to severe, and it can be accompanied by pain, redness, and discomfort. One possible cause of cheek swelling is an infected tooth. When a tooth gets infected, it can cause a buildup of abscess, which can lead to swelling around the affected area. This condition requires immediate dental treatment, as it can lead to severe pain and even spread to other parts of the mouth.
Another possible cause of cheek swelling is a salivary gland infection. The salivary glands located in the cheeks can become infected due to bacteria, viruses, or even dehydration. The swelling can be painful, and there may be a fever accompanied by it. Treatment for salivary gland infection often involves antibiotics, pain relief medication, and hydration.
Cheek swelling can also occur due to an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction to food or medication can cause swelling of the face, including the cheeks. Other symptoms include itching, hives, and difficulty breathing. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if this occurs, as it can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening condition.
In conclusion, cheek swelling can be caused by a variety of factors, including dental issues, infections, or allergies. Treatment for cheek swelling depends on the underlying cause of the swelling. It is important to seek medical or dental attention promptly to avoid complications or further discomfort.
Cheek swelling can occur due to various factors such as dental issues, jaw problems, infections, or even allergies. The swelling can range from mild to severe, and it can be accompanied by pain, redness, and discomfort. One possible cause of cheek swelling is an infected tooth. When a tooth gets infected, it can cause a buildup of abscess, which can lead to swelling around the affected area. This condition requires immediate dental treatment, as it can lead to severe pain and even spread to other parts of the mouth.
Another possible cause of cheek swelling is a salivary gland infection. The salivary glands located in the cheeks can become infected due to bacteria, viruses, or even dehydration. The swelling can be painful, and there may be a fever accompanied by it. Treatment for salivary gland infection often involves antibiotics, pain relief medication, and hydration.
Cheek swelling can also occur due to an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction to food or medication can cause swelling of the face, including the cheeks. Other symptoms include itching, hives, and difficulty breathing. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if this occurs, as it can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening condition.
In conclusion, cheek swelling can be caused by a variety of factors, including dental issues, infections, or allergies. Treatment for cheek swelling depends on the underlying cause of the swelling. It is important to seek medical or dental attention promptly to avoid complications or further discomfort.
Common causes of cheek swelling
Cheek swelling is generally an uncommon occurrence, but when it does happen, it can be quite concerning. There can be various causes of cheek swelling, and some of the most common ones include an injury, infection, or inflammation. Swelling may also develop due to an allergic reaction or a dental problem.
Trauma is a frequent cause of cheek swelling. If someone is hit in the face, the resulting force can cause the skin to swell, which may require medical attention. Another cause of cheek swelling is dental issues. Gum inflammation, abscess or infection, or impacted teeth can cause the cheeks to swell uncomfortably. Besides, sinusitis or any other similar infection can cause the cheeks to become puffy and painful.
Allergic reactions can also be a cause of cheek swelling. Insect bites, food or drug allergies can cause an immediate, severe reaction that results in the swelling of the cheeks. It is important to identify the allergen causing the reaction and seek immediate medical assistance. Salivary gland stones can also cause swelling, particularly in older adults.
In conclusion, cheek swelling can indicate various underlying medical conditions, which is why it is essential to seek appropriate medical attention when it first appears. Treatment can vary depending on the cause and severity of the swelling, so it is important to seek an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Identifying the exact cause of cheek swelling is critical to receive prompt and effective treatment.
Complications or risks associated with cheek swelling
Cheek swelling can be caused by a variety of factors such as injury, infection, or underlying medical conditions. While it is often a minor concern, occasionally, it can lead to complications that require medical attention.
One of the complications associated with cheek swelling is cellulitis. It is a bacterial infection of the deep layers of the skin that can cause fever, chills, and severe pain. In severe cases, cellulitis can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Another complication of cheek swelling is an abscess, a localized collection of pus that can cause severe pain, fever, and difficulty opening the mouth. In some cases, an abscess may require drainage to prevent further complications.
Cheek swelling can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition such as thyroid cancer or salivary gland tumor. If a lump or swelling persists for an extended period, it’s essential to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying medical issues.
In conclusion, while cheek swelling is usually a minor concern, it can lead to severe complications in some cases. It’s important to seek medical attention if it persists for an extended period or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, difficulty opening the mouth, or severe pain. Early detection and treatment are key to prevent further complications.
