Swollen cheeks are one of the complaints that are often considered disturbing because they can change the appearance of the face. Swollen cheeks also usually appear along with other complaints, such as pain or discomfort in the cheek. There are various things that can cause swollen cheeks, ranging from harmless to serious illnesses.
Swelling is a condition in which an area of the body enlarges, 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, tenderness, 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 a blockage, infection, inflammation, or even a tumor.
The following are some diseases related to the salivary glands that can cause the cheeks to become swollen:
1. Infection
An infection in the mouth that causes swollen cheeks can be caused by a virus or bacteria. One of the infectious diseases that can cause swollen cheeks is mumps.
This disease is caused by infection paramyxovirus which attacks the salivary glands in the mouth. Because of its position inside the cheek, the swelling of this gland will cause one or both cheeks to look swollen. This disease usually subsides on its own within a few days.
Bacterial infection of the salivary glands can also cause the cheeks to become swollen. This disease is called sialadenitis. Swollen cheeks due to a bacterial infection are caused by an inflamed salivary gland and a buildup of pus around the gland.
If left untreated, sialadenitis can cause swollen cheeks accompanied by a high fever, severe pain around the swelling of the cheek, and difficulty opening the mouth.
2. Tooth and gum problems
Swollen cheeks can also be a symptom of a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a condition where there is a buildup of pus around the teeth and gums due to a bacterial infection. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can lead to tooth loss and infection that spreads to other organs.
In addition to dental problems, health problems in the gums are also the mastermind behind swollen cheeks. One of them is pericoronitis. Pericoronitis occurs when the gum tissue, especially around wisdom teeth, becomes inflamed. This condition is accompanied by discharge of pus, swelling of the gums and cheeks, and pain in the gums and mouth.
3. Stones in saliva
This condition in which saliva settles or hardens is referred to as sialolithiasis. 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.
4. Allergies
Swollen cheeks are a symptom of an allergic reaction. In a severe allergic reaction, namely anaphylactic shock, swelling can also occur in the tongue and throat. This condition causes the sufferer to have difficulty breathing.
5. Hormone disorders
Swollen cheeks can also be caused by a problem with hormones, such as hypothyroidism, which is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. Some of the symptoms are not able to stand cold temperatures, weight gain, and often drowsy.
In addition, swelling in the cheeks can also be caused by Cushing's syndrome, 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, such as increased blood pressure, skin that looks thin or purplish-red patches appear, and weight gain due to swelling in various parts of the body, including the face and cheeks.
6. Salivary gland tumor
Sometimes swelling of the salivary glands can also be a sign of a salivary gland tumor. These tumors can be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors in the salivary glands are called salivary gland cancer.
Symptoms can include a hard or soft lump on the cheek, tenderness in the cheek, or sometimes the affected face becomes 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.
In addition to doctor's treatment, there are several ways you can try at home to help reduce swelling of the cheeks. These methods include:
1. Cold compress
Cold compresses or ice packs can relieve swelling and pain in the swollen cheek area. The trick, wrap ice in a towel, then compress for 10 minutes on the swollen cheeks.
2. Position your head higher
When lying down or sleeping, support the head with an extra pillow. Sleeping with your head elevated can decrease blood flow to the swollen area and reduce swelling.
3. Reduce salt intake
Eating salty foods can cause fluid to build up in the body and make puffy cheeks worse. Therefore, reducing salt intake can reduce fluid buildup in swollen cheeks.
4. Taking painkillers
Swollen cheeks sometimes appear along with annoying pain or tenderness. 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.
Swollen cheeks do not always indicate a serious problem. However, do not underestimate swollen cheeks, especially if accompanied by symptoms of severe pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, weight loss, difficulty opening the mouth, and facial paralysis or numbness. Also check with your doctor if the swollen cheeks do not improve or get worse after a few days.