Causes of Swollen Cheeks and How to Overcome Them

Masmaol.com - Swelling is a condition in which there is an enlargement of an area of ​​the body, either due to inflammation or fluid buildup. Swelling can occur anywhere on the body, including the cheeks. Swollen cheeks can be experienced without pain, but some are accompanied by pain, soreness, itching or tingling.

Causes of Swollen Cheeks

One of the most common conditions that cause swollen cheeks is a disorder of the salivary glands caused by blockages, infections, inflammation, or even tumors. Apart from that, swollen cheeks can also occur due to other things, such as allergies and hormonal disorders.

The following are some of the causes of swollen cheeks:

Infection

Infections in the mouth that cause swollen cheeks can be caused by viruses or bacteria. One of the infectious diseases that can cause swollen cheeks is mumps.

Mumps is caused by a paramyxovirus infection that attacks the salivary glands in the mouth. Because of its position in the cheek, the swelling of this gland will cause one or both cheeks to look swollen. This disease generally subsides on its own within a few days.

Apart from viral infections, bacterial infections of the salivary glands can also cause swollen cheeks. This disease is called sialadenitis. Swollen cheeks due to this condition are caused by inflamed salivary glands and a buildup of pus around these glands.

If left untreated, sialadenitis can cause swollen cheeks accompanied by high fever, severe pain around the cheek swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth.

Tooth and gum problems

Swollen cheeks can also be a symptom of a tooth abscess. Tooth abscess is a condition where pus accumulates around the teeth and gums due to a bacterial infection. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can result in tooth loss and infection that spreads to other organs.

Apart from dental problems, health problems with the gums are also the cause of swollen cheeks, one of which is pericoronitis. Pericoronitis occurs when the gum tissue, especially around the wisdom teeth, becomes inflamed. This condition is accompanied by pus discharge, swelling of the gums and cheeks, and pain in the gums and mouth.

Stones in saliva

Stones in saliva is a condition in which saliva settles or hardens and is called sialolithiasis. The hardened saliva can block the salivary ducts, causing swelling and intermittent pain in the cheeks. This disease usually causes pain and swelling in one cheek.

Allergies

Swollen cheeks are one of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. In severe allergic reactions, namely anaphylactic shock, swelling can also occur in the tongue and throat, and makes it difficult for sufferers to breathe.

Hormonal disorders

Swollen cheeks can also be caused by problems with hormones, such as hypothyroidism, which is a condition when the body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. Some of the symptoms are cold temperatures, weight gain, and frequent drowsiness.

In addition, swelling in the cheeks can also be caused by Cushing's syndrome, which is a disease that occurs when the body produces too much of the hormone cortisol. This disease often occurs in people who use corticosteroid drugs in the long term.

Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome can vary, ranging from increased blood pressure, skin that appears thin or purplish-red patches appear, and weight gain due to swelling in various parts of the body, including the face and cheeks.

Tumors of the salivary glands

Sometimes, swelling of the salivary glands can also indicate a salivary gland tumor. These tumors can be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors of the salivary glands are called salivary gland cancer.

Symptoms of salivary gland cancer can include the appearance of a hard or soft lump on the cheek, cheek pain, or parts of the face that sometimes become numb or paralyzed. If there are these complaints, immediately consult a doctor.

How to Overcome Swollen Cheeks

How to deal with swollen cheeks depends on the cause. If it's caused by mumps, then you just need to rest for a few days until the pain and swelling subside. However, for swollen cheeks caused by other things, you should consult a doctor for further treatment.

Apart from doctor's treatment, there are several ways you can try at home to help reduce swelling of the cheeks. These ways are:

Cold compress

Cold compresses or ice packs can relieve swelling and pain in the swollen cheek area. The trick is to wrap the ice in a towel, then compress it for 10 minutes on the swollen cheek.

Position your head higher

When lying down or sleeping, prop your head with an extra pillow. Sleeping with your head elevated can reduce blood flow to the swollen area and reduce swelling.

Reduce salt intake

Eating salty foods can cause fluids to build up in the body and make swollen cheeks worse. Therefore, reducing salt intake can reduce fluid accumulation in swollen cheeks.

Take pain relievers

Swollen cheeks sometimes appear together with annoying pain or aches. If some of the methods above don't work to reduce pain and swelling in the cheeks, try taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol.

Conclusion

Swollen cheeks do not always indicate a serious problem. However, don't underestimate swollen cheeks, especially if accompanied by symptoms of severe pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weight loss, difficulty opening your mouth, and facial numbness. Swollen cheeks with these symptoms need to be seen by a doctor, especially if the swollen cheeks do not improve or even get worse after a few days.

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