From a minor injury to muscle and tooth infection, there are many reasons for swelling in one or both of your cheeks. We talked to Dr Kishkindha, BDS, Ludhiana, Punjab, to learn more about the causes of swollen cheeks. The treatment of swollen cheeks involves treating underlying causes. Some of the issues of swollen cheeks involve tooth infection, abnormality in salivary glands, lockjaw issues, and infection in muscles of mastication. To get the right treatment, you need to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis of the issue.
Here Are The Causes of Swollen Cheeks
Tooth Infection
Tooth decay is an oral health issue that can develop swelling in the cheeks. When tooth decay is not treated, it can affect the tooth's root. Talking to the OnlyMyHealth editorial team, Dr Kishkindha said, "Swollen cheeks could be due to infection in any tooth, especially the posterior ones." In severe cases, pus is formed and accompanied by swelling.
Also Read: How To Treat Toothache In Absence Of Immediate Dental Care, Expert Weighs In
Deformities In Lymph Nodes
Deformities in lymph nodes can be another reason for swollen cheeks. The inflammation in your lymph nodes due to an infection can be one of the reasons for this. When the infection is in the head or neck, this can lead to swelling in the cheeks.
Over-Hot Fermentation
Dr Kishkindha stated that over-hot fermentation could also be the reason you may develop swollen cheeks. Thus, it is important to look for the right temperature when using hot fermentation.
Lockjaw Issues
Issues with your jaw can also be a cause of swollen cheeks, as per Dr Kishkindha. These issues can be due to issues in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), also known as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). People who suffer from TMD experience pain and discomfort while opening and closing their mouths, with clicking or popping sounds.
Infection In Muscles Of Mastication
These are a group of muscles that help in producing movements of the lower jaw at the TMJ, enabling functions like chewing and grinding. These muscles consist of the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscles. According to Dr Kishkindha, an infection in these muscles can also cause swelling in the cheeks.
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Abnormality In Salivary Glands
Dr Kishkindha said that abnormality in the salivary glands could also cause swelling in the cheeks. Sialadenitis (swollen salivary glands) can happen due to an infection, autoimmune disorder, or stones in the salivary glands (sialolithiasis).
Mumps
According to Dr Kishkindha, Mumps are another reason one can have swelling in their cheeks. Mumps is an infection caused by viruses that affect the salivary glands. When the infection happens, the glands may swell, becoming tender and painful. You can develop swelling in the cheeks and jaw, which may appear 12 to 15 days after the infection.
Treatment
The treatment of swelling cheeks involves treating underlying causes. To get the right treatment, you need to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis of the issue.
Image Credits: freepik
