Waking up or noticing that one side of your cheek is swollen can be alarming. It’s a symptom your body is using to tell you something is wrong, and it’s important to listen. While there are a few things that can cause facial swelling, the problem often starts inside your mouth. A swollen cheek is frequently a sign of a dental issue that needs professional attention.

If you are experiencing facial swelling in the Omaha area, it’s crucial to act fast. Contact Superior Dental Health of Omaha today for an urgent evaluation. Read on to explore the common dental reasons for this symptom so you know why seeking prompt care is so important.

A problem with your teeth or gums can easily cause visible swelling on the outside of your face. The infection and inflammation inside your mouth can spread to the soft tissues of your cheek. Here are the most common dental reasons this happens.

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms because of a bacterial infection. It can happen at the very tip of a tooth’s root or in the gums right next to a tooth. This is one of the most common causes of a swollen cheek due to a tooth infection. As the pus builds up, it creates pressure and inflammation that makes your cheek swell.

Other signs of an abscess include a severe, throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, fever, and a bad taste in your mouth. An abscess is a serious infection that requires immediate treatment by a dentist.

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in, usually in your late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, there isn’t enough room for them, and they get trapped, or “impacted,” in the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, which can lead to an infection in the surrounding gum tissue, known as pericoronitis. This infection at the very back of your mouth can cause major cheek swelling on one side, along with jaw pain and difficulty opening your mouth fully. To treat this, wisdom teeth removal is advised.

You have major salivary glands located inside your cheeks. Sometimes, these glands can get blocked by tiny mineral deposits (like stones) or become infected. When this happens, saliva can’t flow properly, and it backs up, causing the gland to swell. This shows up as painful cheek swelling that often worsens when you eat. You might also notice a dry mouth or a foul taste.

[Related: What is a Root Canal?]

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an infection of the gums that can damage the bone that supports your teeth. In its advanced stages, deep pockets of bacteria can form around the teeth. These pockets can lead to a gum abscess, which can cause the same kind of facial swelling as a tooth abscess. This is a sign that the gum disease is severe and needs immediate professional care to save your teeth.

It is normal to experience some swelling after a dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction or a root canal. This is just your body’s natural way of healing. This type of swelling usually peaks about two or three days after your procedure and then starts to go down. However, if the swelling gets worse, you develop a high fever, or you are in severe pain, it could be a sign of a post-operative infection, and you should call your dentist.

First, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it. Cheek swelling on one side is a sign that you need to see a dentist soon. While you are waiting for your appointment, there are a few things you can do at home for temporary relief:

• Use a Cold Compress: Apply a cold pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to the outside of your swollen cheek. Hold it there for 15-20 minutes at a time. This can help reduce inflammation and numb the area. Avoid using heat, as it can exacerbate the infection.
• Rinse with Salt Water: Gently swish with a solution of a half teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water. This can help soothe irritation and keep the area clean.
• Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen can help manage the pain and reduce some of the swelling. Remember, this is only a temporary fix and does not treat the underlying problem.

[Related: What is Restorative Dentistry?]

Facial swelling can become a serious medical emergency if the infection spreads. You should seek immediate dental or emergency care if your cheek swelling is accompanied by any of the following red flags:

• A high fever
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• A bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away
• Severe pain that is not helped by pain medication
• The swelling is spreading down your neck or towards your eye

If you experience trouble breathing or swallowing along with facial swelling, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. For all other urgent dental issues, contact our office right away.

Swelling on one side of your cheek is more than just a minor inconvenience; it’s a clear signal from your body that there is a dental infection that will not go away on its own. Ignoring the problem can lead to more pain and even more serious health complications. Your health is too important to risk.

If you’re in the Omaha area and experiencing facial swelling, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact Superior Dental Health of Omaha today to schedule an urgent appointment and get the relief you need.