No one plans on dental emergencies, but accidents can happen anytime! If you’re experiencing facial swelling, then you may be wondering what to do next. It’s natural to assume that calling your doctor is the best course of action, but if the distension is due to a problem with your teeth, they may have to refer you to your dentist, anyway. Keep reading to learn 3 potential causes behind a puffy appearance and why you should call your dentist first!
Issue #1: Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess refers to an infection in the inner chamber of your tooth caused when bacteria invade the tender pulp. Because abscesses can happen below the surface of your tooth, you may not know there’s an issue until you experience symptoms like sharp or sudden pain around the affected area. The infection can eventually enter your bloodstream and flow to other areas of your body, including your face, resulting in the engorgement that you see. Your dentist will try to perform a root canal to save the tooth, but in extreme cases, removing it may be required.
Issue #2: Salivary Gland Infection
If harmful germs infect the salivary glands located in your cheeks, you’ll also notice bulging in addition to reduced saliva production. This can result from commonly occurring issues like:
- A blocked or inflamed gland duct.
- Illnesses like the flu, HIV, herpes, or mumps.
- Dehydration.
- Excess mucus.
- Malnutrition.
If your dentist can’t treat you, they’ll refer you to an appropriate specialist to address the underlying medical condition.
Issue #3: Allergies
Many different allergens could trigger facial swelling. You could be reacting to:
- A prescription drug. Your medication may be causing your puffy cheeks especially if accompanied by hives, fever, a rapid heartbeat, or an upset stomach.
- Different foods. Plenty of people have food allergies that can cause enlargement in addition to itching, a rash, and stomach cramps.
- Pollen or dust. If your inflated face comes with red, itchy, watery, or burning eyes then this could be the culprit.
If at any point you experience breathing difficulties, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate, a sudden drop in blood pressure, or loss of consciousness then it’s time to head to the nearest emergency room! You might be having anaphylaxis, or a severe allergic reaction, that requires an EpiPen or other immediate treatment.
If your face looks more distended than usual, call your dentist first. They’ll want to get you in right away so they can assess your condition to either address the problem themselves or get you the right help fast!
About the Author
Dr. Joshua Kuykendall earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Tulsa, then went on to achieve his Doctor of Dental Surgery at The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He has since pursued advanced training to be able to provide a full range of dental services, including emergency dentistry treatments. His dedicated staff can walk you through emergency care over the phone as well as schedule a same-day appointment so that you don’t have to wait for much-needed relief. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (281) 353-9797.