Facial Swelling Due to Tooth Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Facial swelling along with tooth pain is often more than a simple toothache. It can be a sign of a dental infection, tooth abscess, gum infection, or an impacted tooth. When bacteria spread from an infected tooth into the surrounding tissues, swelling can develop around the cheek, jaw, or face.
Some common causes include:
Tooth abscess caused by bacterial infection
Severe tooth decay affecting the inner tooth
Gum infection or periodontal infection
Impacted wisdom tooth
Infection following a dental injury or procedure
Symptoms to Watch For
Facial swelling may occur with severe tooth pain, gum tenderness, redness, fever, bad taste in the mouth, difficulty chewing, or sensitivity to hot and cold foods. If swelling is increasing or spreading, prompt dental evaluation is important.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A dentist may recommend root canal treatment, dental drainage, tooth extraction, or treatment for gum infection. Antibiotics may sometimes be prescribed when there are signs of a spreading bacterial infection, but they do not replace necessary dental treatment.
Avoid squeezing the swollen area or applying medication directly to the tooth without professional advice. A dentist can examine the affected area and recommend appropriate treatment.
When Should You Visit a Dentist?
Do not ignore facial swelling associated with tooth pain. Immediate dental attention is especially important if swelling is rapidly increasing or you develop fever, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or swelling around the eye or neck.
Early diagnosis can help control the infection, relieve tooth pain, and protect your oral health.
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