Cheek swelling can occur for many reasons, from minor facial injuries to infections or serious underlying health issues. A person may notice swelling in one or both cheeks and inside the mouth.
In this article, we explore the causes of swollen cheeks and how doctors diagnose and treat them.
The swelling area 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:
- a facial injury
- a tooth abscess
- salivary stones
- an infection, such as cellulitis
- a salivary gland tumor
Inside the cheek
Swelling on the inner lining of the cheek may indicate:
- lymphadenitis, the enlargement of a lymph node, usually due to an infection
- a tooth abscess
- hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Sjogren’s syndrome
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
An injury from a fall or blunt force, for example, can damage soft tissue and bones in the face, resulting in facial swelling and pain.
Minor injuries often heal independently, but anyone who suspects an injury may be more severe should receive medical attention.
Treatment
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.
Tooth decay is
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.
Treatment
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 is a contagious viral infection of the salivary glands. Symptoms, including swelling in the jaw and cheeks, may appear
Other symptoms of mumps include:
- a headache
- a fever
- fatigue
- muscle aches or chills
- a loss of appetite
Treatment
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
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
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. Symptoms 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
Treatment
The right
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.
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.
Treatment
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 review found that when Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were responsible and resistant to antibiotics, surgery was sometimes required.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in the fat or soft tissue beneath the skin. Alongside facial swelling, other symptoms
- skin that feels warm
- pain or tenderness in the area
- a fever
- chills
Treatment
Antibiotics tend to clear
Pericoronitis is inflammation of the gums around a tooth that has only partially emerged. Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are
Pericoronitis can sometimes cause
Hypothyroidism refers to the thyroid gland not producing enough hormones to meet the body’s demands.
Weight gain and puffiness in the face are
- fatigue
- muscle and joint pain
- sensitivity to cold temperatures
- reduced sweating
- heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- constipation
- a slow heart rate
Treatment
There is no cure for hypothyroidism, but doctors tend to prescribe
The dosage will depend on several factors, including current hormone levels.
Cushing’s disease is a specific type of Cushing’s syndrome in which a tumor on the pituitary gland causes it to produce too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which signals the adrenal glands to make too much cortisol.
Cushing’s syndrome is broken down into different categories (endogenous and exogenous) and has different causes, including taking too many corticosteroids (such as prednisone).
- 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
People with Cushing’s syndrome may experience weight gain and puffiness in the face. Other symptoms include:
Treatment
Cushing’s syndrome
If the cause is taking too much corticosteroid, then the treatment is to wean someone off the medication. However, a person must reduce use of these medications, as opposed to stopping abruptly. Abrupt cessation can cause an adrenal crisis.
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:
- excessive dryness of the mouth and nose
- a chronic cough
- vaginal dryness
- dry, itchy, or burning eyes
- numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- fatigue
- blurry vision
- difficulty swallowing or speaking
Treatment
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.
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 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
In some cases, cheek swelling results from poor dental hygiene, which can lead to an infection. It is crucial to brush your 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.