Your body goes into shock, at which point your airway narrows and you experience swelling around the face, tongue, or throat. Hold the compress against your skin near the affected area. Overall, having bacteria in the mouth is normal and safe. The right treatment depends on the size and number of stones. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Bacterial infections usually cause abscesses. People with periapical abscesses which occur when bacteria invade the dental pulp, due to widespread decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth, for example may need a root canal or an extraction. An injury to the face can also cause a swollen cheek. Skin abscesses usually are red, swollen, and warm to the touch, and might leak fluid. It also has antibacterial properties. It can also appear in the throat and on other areas of your body. Your healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up appointment to examine or repack your abscess. My son has a lump on the right side of his face just above the cheek bone. This process includes fluoride treatments at the dentist. Pus is made up of living and dead white blood cells, germs, fluid and dead tissue. How are these treated? Treatment for oral cancer varies, depending on the type, location, and stage of the tumor.Doctors can surgically remove tumors and affected lymph nodes. Yvelette Stines, MS, MEd, is an author, writer, and communications specialist specializing in health and wellness. If left untreated, complications of preeclampsia include organ damage and death to mother and baby. A gum abscess is an infected pocket of tissue in the gums. Ludwigs angina is an infection that can occur in your mouth. Many different issues can cause a swollen gum around one tooth. Limited studies suggest that oil pulling may be a good treatment for bleeding gums, bad breath, and reducing bacteria. I have a feeling that it is a cheek abscess and I'm very worried. However, some bacteria can create plaque, which can cause an infection in the areas where the teeth meet the gums; this is when gingivitis occurs. If you need surgery, it could take two weeks for swelling and bruising to subside. For example, an infection may cause swelling in only one cheek. In addition to regular medical and dental treatment, self-care measures may help improve your oral lichen planus symptoms or help prevent recurring episodes of severe symptoms: Practice good oral hygiene. What can cause a abscessed cheek when teeth are healthy. Stomatitis, a general term for an inflamed and sore mouth, can disrupt a person's ability to eat, talk, and sleep. Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil to 1 ounce of a carrier oil. Pericoronitis (infection near wisdom tooth). Symptoms of dental abscesses include pain, a bad taste in the mouth and fever. Puffiness might not go away completely until you address the cause of this symptom, but the following measures can help decrease swelling in the cheeks: Depending on the underlying cause, treatment for swollen cheeks might require medication to correct a hormone imbalance. What to do if I have an abscess inside my cheek help? An abscess is a pocket of pus. Salivary glands are the glands that make your saliva (spit). They may occur if a sharp piece of food gets lodged directly into the gums and causes an infection. All rights reserved. Below, find more examples of causes of swelling according to the affected area: Conditions that may lead to swelling in one cheek include: Swelling on the inner lining of the cheek may indicate: Cheek and gum swelling often indicates an infection of the gums or a tooth abscess. This is a life-threatening event. The result is a swollen, painful pocket of pus called an abscess. Anyone experiencing symptoms of a gum abscess or a tooth abscess should see a dentist as soon as possible. Sialadenitis refers to inflammation of one or more of your salivary glands. An abscessed tooth is a serious infection that could spread to other parts of the face and eyes if left untreated. Your healthcare provider will make a tiny cut (incision) in the abscess. If bad bacteria find their way into an area of open tissue, they may take over, multiplying and causing an infection. In a small 2019 review, researchers found that antibiotic treatment was effective when lymphadenitis resulted from bacterial infection. There are many possible causes of swelling in one or both cheeks, and some are more serious than others. Remove the cotton ball or swab. In some cases, cheek swelling results from poor dental hygiene, which can lead to an infection. The area of swelling can help a doctor identify the problem. The sores are known to be contagious, painful, fluid-filled blisters. However, people can manage symptoms with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. When thrush occurs in the mouth, symptoms include: Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida or other fungi and is diagnosed by a throat culture. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. With local anesthesia, youll stay awake but the area will be numb. Once the bacteria reach the center of the tooth and the tooth becomes infected, pus accumulates in the tooth. There isnt a single cause for this change in appearance, but rather several plausible explanations. A perianal abscess is a type of anorectal abscess that affects the skin around your anus. Swish the solution around in your mouth, then spit. Brushing your teeth too hard, or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Have swollen lips? If you have a tumor in your salivary gland, surgery can remove a benign growth. We avoid using tertiary references. Once an individual is infected with herpes, they will have the virus for life. They may also prescribe antibiotics. This swelling can occur in one or both cheeks and inside the mouth. If you dont get a skin abscess drained, it can continue to grow and fill with pus until it bursts. Some conditions and lifestyle habits could increase the chances of getting gingivitis. The catheter allows the abscess to drain into a bag. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency. This medication can cause weight gain and fatty deposits on the sides of the face and on the back of the neck. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. A pilonidal abscess is an abscess in the skin of the crease of your buttocks. It can also promote wound healing and healthy gums. Swelling in your cheek and neck region. Now, apply the juice to the infected area. Parotid Gland Infection Symptoms. of an infected salivary gland can include: Lymphadenitis occurs when one or more lymph nodes swell in response to an infection in the area. The abscess will also need drainage. It can occur in the joints and extremities, as well as in other parts of the body, like the face. Nagulapalli Venkata KC, et al. Boils are smaller and closer to the surface of the skin than typical skin abscesses. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 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. Theyll give you saline or dextrose solutions to keep you hydrated and antibiotics to fight infection. They can assess your abscess and determine appropriate treatment. Not everyone. Heart Failure and Anemia: How Are They Related? Boils are particularly painful in sensitive areas including your nose, ears and fingers. Taher YA, et al. Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. There are two ways you can use garlic: Way 1: Crush some cloves to extract the garlic juice and then use a cotton ball to apply that juice directly onto the abscess. This can be repeated multiple time per day. Common causes of swollen gums and cheeks include pericoronitis or a tooth abscess. All rights reserved. 2) Baking soda: Another useful thing for relieving the symptoms, easily available in your kitchen, is baking soda. You may not be able to prevent sialadenitis completely. It usually gets better in about a week with conservative treatments. Sullivan, T., & de Barra, E. (2018). Irritation from braces or other orthodontic devices. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/29/2022. Facial puffiness tends to result from fluid retention, and this can have many causes. Boils are commonly found on your neck, chest, face and buttocks. Oregano oil is an essential oil that can be purchased in a health food store or drugstore. This may also reduce swelling and pain in the area. But if your symptoms linger, or if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, you should seek emergency medical care right away. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Got a root canal yesterday. People with Sjogrens syndrome may develop swollen salivary glands, which can make their cheeks appear puffy or swollen. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to get the proper treatment and education regarding the infection. A burst abscess can be very painful and cause the infection to spread. If not treated, the infection could spread to the gums and bone of the mouth. Trench mouth is a severe gum infection caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. If youve had surgical drainage for a skin abscess, you should assess your wound each day. A range of treatments is available. The area of swelling can help a doctor identify the problem. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, Swollen gum around one tooth: What to know, What to know about antibiotics and tooth infections, Everything you need to know about a dead tooth, certain medications that disrupt the flow of saliva. Learn about its symptoms and causes. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Types of Mouth Infections and How to Treat Them. (2016). Dentists will generally order an X-ray to see if the abscess has caused any breakdown of the bone. It typically starts as a small sore that is painless, then a bumpy rash may appear on the body (typically the hands or soles of the feet or palms). A buildup of bad bacteria contributes to plaque and tartar, which may lead to tooth decay and other dental issues. In these cases, the bacterial buildup may spread from the original infection site and infect the gum around it. Pain from the wound will gradually go away. The bacteria in the mouth are known to feed on foods that have a lot of sugar and starch, which convert into acids. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. It might feel as if you have mouth swelling inside the cheek. If you try to squeeze the pus out of an abscess yourself, it can easily spread the bacteria to other areas of your skin. A scar can tell you your abscess is healing. Treatment typically depends on the cause, and good oral hygiene can prevent them, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Learn more about the causes and treatments in this article. Then, theyll guide a needle into place using an ultrasound or CT scan. "One remedy that works to help alleviate toothache pain is to soak a peppermint tea bag in . We've rounded up the best charcoal toothpastes with fluoride to help, These seven whitening toothpastes run the gamut from best overall to those recommended for braces, tough stains, or the best natural option. These may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Clove oil has been used since ancient times as a natural toothache remedy. Try to swish it around inside your mouth for at least two minutes. The dosage will depend on several factors, including current hormone levels. They may also examine your salivary glands with an endoscope (a tiny camera with a light attached). Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Sialadenitis mostly affects your parotid and submandibular glands. Heart failure may be a disability if it limits your ability to work and meets the other Social Security Administration definition and requirements. This infection affects the salivary glands, causing swelling on one or both sides of the face. This can happen after a fall or a blow to the face. This swelling can cause puffy cheeks. Keep your mouth clean to reduce your symptoms and help prevent infection. Gingival abscesses only occur in the gum tissue. An abscess in your mouth may cause a severe toothache. You may need immediate antibiotics and dental care. If these medication dont work, you may have to deliver your baby early. Our providers specialize in head and neck surgery and oncology; facial plastic and reconstructive surgery; comprehensive otolaryngology; laryngology; otology, neurotology and lateral skull base disorders; pediatric otolaryngology; rhinology, sinus and skull base surgery; surgical sleep; dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and allied hearing, speech and balance services. Heres how to choose a carrier oil. If you had surgery, it could take about two weeks to fully recover. These smaller glands are in your lips, inner cheeks and all throughout the linings of your mouth and throat. You can do this for up to three times a day until the abscess shrinks in size and the redness subsides. Antibiotics may be an effective treatment option for a tooth infection. Use heat, the number one home remedy to treat abscesses, to bring the abscess to a head. Some conditions that cause a swollen cheek affect both sides of the face. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Which Antibiotics Treat Tooth Infections? However, there are a few possible reasons for this bacterial infection to occur, including: Gum abscesses may be more common in people with poor oral hygiene. Unless the cause is a minor injury, it is important to receive medical attention, especially if the swelling is sudden or severe. If you are experiencing a persistent toothache, here is what you can do. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Other symptoms of mouth abscesses include: For deeper skin abscesses or those inside your body, symptoms arent as obvious. You should also see a doctor for any accompanying symptoms such as: Developing a fuller, puffy appearance in one or both of your cheeks can be alarming. To get rid of an abscess on your gums, your dentist will perform a surgical drainage procedure. This process causes inflammation, and the tissue nearby dies. For instance, taking over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) can reduce pain and swelling. Learn more about hypothyroidism treatment. Cong-Nhat Huynh N, et al. Other symptoms include flu-like ones such as muscle aches, fever, sore throat, or fatigue. I have a Very painful lump in my cheek thats getting worse. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-cancer/more-info, https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.html, https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/sjogren-syndrome, https://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/staph.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6303460/, https://www.sjogrens.org/understanding-sjogrens/treatment, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784463/, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0009922815584548?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed, New clues to slow aging? For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). It can also promote wound healing and healthy gums. Anemia can cause stress on the heart and kidneys, and that can lead to damage to both organs and other health problems. Shanbhag VKL. Theyll leave the abscess open to allow any remaining pus to drain. We also look at treatments and when to see a doctor. This may be a tooth that has a large cavity or decay in the root, which creates space within the tooth and surrounding tissue for bacteria to multiply. Herpangina is a contagious illness that incudes ulcers and sores in the mouth. Conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV, may make it more difficult for the body to fight off the bacteria that lead to gum disease and abscesses. The cause of a gum abscess is a buildup of bacteria in the tissues between the teeth and the gums. Treatment often includes surgical drainage.