Have you recently developed a tender, puffy face and are unsure why? It’s natural to feel concerned about sudden symptoms, like swollen or achy tissues, and wonder who you should go to for help. Should you head to the closest urgent care center in Grand Prairie and hope for the best, or start with your emergency dentist?
There’s a good chance that the root issue involves your dental health, so it’s often better to begin with your oral healthcare provider. Continue reading to learn 3 potential causes for your inflamed face and how they can help!
Concern #1: A Tooth Abscess
Often, facial swelling occurs in response to an infection elsewhere, like in one of your teeth. Your mouth is full of harmful bacteria, and if they penetrate your enamel or connective tissues, they can cause an infection in the tender roots of your teeth. This triggers your body’s immune response, which can cause pus to collect around the affected tooth or gums. Eventually, this fluid buildup can cause additional aches and facial distension.
In many cases, a root canal procedure can alleviate the throbbing sensation and clean away damaged or diseased materials. This is usually followed by placing a dental crown to restore your injured tooth’s appearance and functionality.
Concern #2: A Salivary Gland Infection
A salivary gland infection is another oral issue that can cause puffy cheeks. Most people have two salivary glands, called the parotid glands, in their cheeks that secrete moisture to help protect their mouth. Unfortunately, these can become blocked by salivary stones, tumors, or inflammation due to other illnesses or infections. When that happens, they can become painfully swollen and cause your cheeks to swell.
Your dentist can provide antibiotics or apply simple techniques to help stimulate healthy saliva flow. Otherwise, they can refer you to an appropriate specialist, like an ear, nose, and throat expert.
Concern #3: An Allergic Reaction
You might also experience facial engorgement triggered by a severe allergic reaction. Whether you’re suffering from conjunctivitis in your eyes from dust, pollen, mold spores, or pet dander, or are having an anaphylactic response to medications, insect stings, or other causes, it’s essential to get help immediately to avoid worsening symptoms.
If you experience breathing difficulties, hives, nausea or vomiting, rapid heart rate, or a sudden drop in blood pressure, you should skip your dentist’s office and head straight to the closest ER for immediate attention.
Your dentist can address several underlying issues that may be causing your puffy cheeks, and if they’re not the right specialist to fix it, they’ll refer you to someone who can.
Meet the Author
Dr. Anh Vo takes pride in helping families in Grand Prairie improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry and has since completed over 150 hours of continuing education. He offers a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, including same-day emergency visits if you require immediate attention. His caring approach is combined with advanced technology to provide comfortable, accurate treatment results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (469) 890-1199.