Emergency Issue: Who Should I Call for Facial Swelling?

If you have lost or broken a tooth or restoration, you can probably correctly guess that your emergency dentist is the first person you should call for help. They have the unique training and equipment needed to quickly identify the extent of the damage and suggest appropriate repairs.

However, if you’re suffering from swollen cheeks, it’s natural to wonder whether you should contact your oral healthcare provider or your primary care physician. Continue reading to learn 3 potential causes for facial distension and who can help address it!

Culprit #1: Salivary Gland Issue

Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against dental illness, infection, and injuries. It has a nearly neutral pH value to counteract acid damage that wears down your enamel. Plus, it rinses away germs, leftover food, and other unwanted particles that form plaque or contribute to cavities and gingivitis.

There are several glands that secrete this fluid, and although some are located in your mouth, they also exist in the lips, throat, and cheeks. If one is blocked or becomes infected, it can become inflamed and swell up. Your dentist can help diagnose this issue and prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.

Culprit #2: Tooth Abscess

It’s also possible that your enlarged mandible is the result of a tooth abscess. This occurs when bacteria penetrate the tissues around the root of your tooth and cause an infection. This often results in the formation of a fluid-filled sac, or abscess.

If you suspect this is the underlying issue, it’s important to have it treated sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more likely the disease is to begin eroding your enamel and gum tissues, or enter your blood stream and travel to other areas of your body. From there, it can contribute to other serious concerns like heart problems, diabetes, or even sepsis.

Culprit #3: Other Medical Concern

Several additional conditions can cause a swollen face, and your doctor may be better able to handle them. For example, puffy cheeks can be caused by anaphylaxis, an extreme allergic reaction that can also present with hives, itching, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate, or breathing difficulties. It can also be due to an underactive thyroid, a gland responsible for producing regulatory hormones.

If your dentist cannot identify the root cause for your puffy visage, they’ll refer you to an appropriate doctor to get you the right help as quickly as possible.

Meet the Author

Dr. John Moneyhun enjoys helping patients build happy, healthy smiles they can be proud of. He achieved his Doctor of Dental Medicine from MUSC and is dedicated to ongoing education at prestigious organizations, like the Dawson Academy. He provides a comprehensive array of services at one convenient location, including emergency dentistry. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results. You can request a same-day emergency appointment on the website or call (864) 800-1691.