{"id":190,"date":"2023-11-14T18:22:08","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T18:22:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springdentist.com\/blog\/?p=190"},"modified":"2023-12-26T18:25:45","modified_gmt":"2023-12-26T18:25:45","slug":"swollen-subject-do-i-call-a-dentist-or-doctor-for-puffy-cheeks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springdentist.com\/blog\/2023\/11\/14\/swollen-subject-do-i-call-a-dentist-or-doctor-for-puffy-cheeks\/","title":{"rendered":"Swollen Subject: Do I Call a Dentist or Doctor for Puffy Cheeks?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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No one plans on dental emergencies<\/a>, but accidents can happen anytime! If you\u2019re experiencing facial swelling, then you may be wondering what to do next. It\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Issue #1: Tooth Abscess<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Issue #2: Salivary Gland Infection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If harmful germs infect the salivary glands located in your cheeks, you\u2019ll also notice bulging in addition to reduced saliva production. This can result from commonly occurring issues like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n