Your cheek is likely swollen from a tooth due to a tooth abscess, which is an infection caused by bacteria.
Understanding Tooth Abscesses
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in or around your tooth. This happens when bacteria infect the pulp of the tooth, the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
How Does a Tooth Abscess Cause Cheek Swelling?
The infection from a tooth abscess can spread beyond the tooth itself and into the surrounding tissues, including the gums and cheek. This spread of infection triggers inflammation, leading to swelling in your cheek.
Common Causes of Tooth Abscesses:
- Untreated Cavities: A cavity allows bacteria to penetrate the enamel and dentin, eventually reaching the pulp.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth: Cracks and chips can create openings for bacteria to enter the tooth.
- Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Advanced gum disease can create pockets between the teeth and gums, allowing bacteria to accumulate and cause an abscess.
- Previous Dental Work: Sometimes, bacteria can enter the tooth during dental procedures, leading to an infection.
What to Do If You Have Cheek Swelling from a Tooth:
- See a Dentist Immediately: A tooth abscess requires prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading further.
- Antibiotics: Your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection.
- Drainage: The dentist may need to drain the abscess to relieve pressure and remove the pus.
- Root Canal: In many cases, a root canal procedure is necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
- Extraction: If the tooth is severely damaged or the infection cannot be controlled, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Ignoring a tooth abscess can have serious consequences, as the infection can spread to other parts of the body, potentially leading to life-threatening complications. Therefore, it is essential to seek professional dental care as soon as possible if you notice cheek swelling related to a tooth.
