Swollen Cheek or Jaw

Having a swollen cheek and jaw when you wake up can be frightening especially if there is a lot of pain to the point where you cannot speak or eat. If there is any type of cheek or jaw swelling or even if you have a swollen chin it is an indication of a health or dental issue that needs immediate attention. In this blog, we will walk you through the main causes and home remedies. We will also tell you when to seek help especially through Teledentistry.com, where dentists are available 24/7.

What Causes a Swollen Cheek or Jaw?

A swollen cheek and jaw can be caused due to the following factors:

• Tooth Infection or Abscess
  Dental abscess is one of the main causes of swollen cheeks and jaw. In dental abscess there is an infection in the gums or tooth decay which can cause swelling in your cheeks and jaw.
• Wisdom Teeth Issues
  Impacted wisdom teeth can get infected and cause swelling in cheeks and jaw. You might even have difficulty opening your mouth.
• Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
• Bleeding gums and severe gum infection can also cause swelling in your cheeks and jaw.
• Facial Trauma or Injury
  Injuries or hits to the face can cause swelling in cheeks and even swelling and pain in your chin.
• Salivary Gland Infection
  Infection in the salivary gland can also cause swelling.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you experience one or more of these symptoms than you should seek help:

• Swelling in one or both cheeks
  
• Throbbing pain and swelling in jaw
  
• Swelling with redness
• Fever and pus or foul taste in mouth
• Can’t breath or swallow properly. Difficulty in opening mouth.

These symptoms can be signs of a serious infection or dental emergency.

Is a Swollen Cheek or Jaw a Dental Emergency?

Swelling might not seem like a serious threat but it is your body’s reaction to any infection or injury. If it is not treated then it may cause severe pain and spread to other parts of your body.

You should immediately seek help if:

• If the swelling spreads quickly to the other parts of your face.
  
• If you can’t open your mouth and have a problem in breathing and swallowing.
• Severe pain that spreads throughout.

To get professional advice and prescriptions within minutes from a licensed dentist contact Teledentistry.com

At-Home Remedies for Temporary Relief

While you wait to see a dentist, here are a few things you can do for relief:

• Apply a Cold Compress
  A cold compress can reduce swelling.
• Rinse with Warm Salt Water
  Luke warm water with salt can ease the pain and give a soothing sensation.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
  Paracetamol and other over the counter pain relief medicines will help reduce jaw and cheek swelling.
• Stay Hydrated & Avoid Sugar
  Staying hydrated will help healing. Also sugar should be avoided since it can make the swelling worse.

When to Contact a Dentist Online

If you have a swollen cheek or jaw that is causing you any pain, waiting for an in-person dental appointment might make the situation worse. Whether it is day or night with Teledentistry.com, you can connect with an online dentist and seek professional advice at any time . Whether it is a swollen cheek on one side , a swollen jaw or continuous chin pain you can get professional advice swiftly.

How Teledentistry Can Help

• 24/7 availability.
• Consultation from a licensed dentist while sitting at home.
• Prescriptions are provided for pain relief medication and antibiotics.
• Follow up appointment and local dental care reference.

Conclusion

Even if it is a swollen jaw , swollen cheek on one side or any pain or swelling in your chin even if it is minor, you should ignore it. They may seem minor but they could be symptoms of a major infection that may require immediate dental care. Teledentistry.com will provide you with virtual dental care so you can get relief immediately.