What Causes One Side of the Cheek to Swell? 8 Causes

Swelling or inflammation is the body’s natural response to damage or injury and a symptom of an underlying condition.

Swelling on one side of the cheek can have many causes, including infections, skin irritation, allergies, and other medical conditions:

• Infections

• Tooth abscess :Pain and visible swelling in the mouth can be caused by a tooth abscess.
• Skin infection: Invading bacteria can cause redness and inflammation on the skin’s surface.
• Acne: Bacteria in skin pores cause inflammation and swelling, leading to pimples.
• Inflamed lymph nodes: Immune cells in lymph nodes can swell due to an infection.
• Inflamed glands: Infected or irritated glands that produce substances like saliva and tears may swell.

8 causes of cheek swelling

1. Skin abscess

A skin abscess is a large pus pocket developed immediately below the skin. It is caused by bacteria entering the skin through a cut or scratch and growing there. White blood cells help the body combat the invasion, forming pus in the cavity.

Symptoms

• A massive, red, painful, swollen mass of pus beneath the skin larger than ½ cm in diameter.
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches

If left untreated, an abscess can grow larger, disperse, and make the person seriously ill. Small abscesses may heal without treatment, but larger ones may require lancing or draining in a doctor’s office. Antibiotics are usually prescribed. To prevent recurrence, keep the area clean and dry.

2. Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deep skin layers. Although it can occur everywhere on the body, it most commonly affects the face, lower legs, and feet.

Staphylococcus can cause the disorder by entering broken skin through a cut, scrape, or skin infection like impetigo or eczema. Those with a compromised immune system or reduced circulation are most vulnerable.

If the infection is not treated, it can become severe, produce pus, and cause tissue damage. Rarely, it may result in meningitis or blood poisoning.

Symptoms

• Painful, reddened skin
• Fever
• Chills
• Rapid heartbeat

Treatment involves antibiotics, wound care, and occasionally surgery. Underlying illnesses must be addressed, and the immune system should be strengthened through rest and a healthy diet.

3. Sialolithiasis (salivary duct stone)

Salivary duct stones are the most common condition affecting the salivary glands. They can be as small as dust or as large as several centimeters.

Symptoms

• Facial swelling on one side
• Severe jaw swelling
• Sudden jaw pain

Treatment involves massaging or "milking" the stone-containing duct, staying hydrated, and using warm compresses. Sucking on lemon drops or other hard, tart candy throughout the day can help produce more saliva. Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used for pain relief. Consult a doctor if there is no improvement or if the stone cannot be located.

4. Salivary duct infection (sialadenitis)

Bacterial infections of the salivary ducts are common in the mouth following oral surgery and in older people taking drugs that reduce saliva production.

Symptoms

• Facial swelling
• Fever
• Chills
• Pain and swelling of the jaw on one side of the face

Salivary duct infections are considered a medical emergency. Visit a primary care physician or an urgent healthcare facility for treatment. Antibiotics may be required for 10 days or hospitalization if the infection is severe.

5. Mumps

Most people are vaccinated against the mumps virus when young. However, there is still a small risk of getting mumps, which causes swelling of the parotid gland in the cheek.

Symptoms

• Cheek swelling
• Facial pain
• Sore throat
• Fever

Antibiotic therapy is ineffective for this type of infection. Usually, it goes away on its own. Seeking medical attention can provide symptomatic treatment and rule out other infections. Call a doctor if exposed to the mumps virus while pregnant.

6. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is characterized by insufficient hormone production by the thyroid gland in the neck, resulting in slowed metabolic activity. It can be caused by an autoimmune disease, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, certain drugs, pregnancy, or high or low iodine levels.

Symptoms

• Swollen face
• Fatigue
• Persistent feeling of being cold
• Weight gain
• Slow heartbeat
• Low mood

These and other symptoms may worsen if ignored, eventually leading to extremely low body temperatures and low blood pressure. Treatment consists of taking daily oral medication for hypothyroidism. Regular blood tests and monitoring are necessary to ensure proper medication dosage.

7. Facial bruising

Facial bruising causes damage to capillaries and veins, which can lead to swelling.

Symptoms

• Swelling of the face on one side
• Pain and warmth on the face
• Resting and applying ice for 10 to 20 minutes at a time can effectively relieve symptoms.

8. Allergic reaction

Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and swelling in response to triggers like pollen and certain foods.

Symptoms

• Swollen face and lips
• Lip numbness and redness
• Hives

A doctor may recommend an allergy test to determine the cause of the reaction. Seek emergency medical attention if experiencing throat tightness or breathing problems in addition to the above symptoms.

How to treat cheek swelling at home

• Leave the area alone: Touching, scratching, or picking at the swelling can worsen symptoms by spreading bacteria.
• Cold compresses: Apply cold compresses to relieve itching and irritation. Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for several minutes at a time.
• Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, or Claritin can relieve symptoms by blocking the chemicals that cause swelling and itching.
• Topical ointments: Anti-itch lotions can provide relief from itching and swelling.
• Pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can be used for pain relief.

When to consult a doctor about swelling on one side of the face

Most causes of swelling on one side of the face are minor and go away on their own. However, consult a doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent.

If at-home treatment is ineffective, your doctor may order tests to better understand the cause of cheek swelling:

• Imaging tests: CT scans or MRIs can help assess the size and cause of a facial mass.
• Biopsy: A tiny piece of the tumor is cut from the face and submitted to the lab for analysis.

Treatment methods may include:

• Drainage and incision: If infection is suspected, an incision is made in the swollen area to drain pus.
• Steroids: Prednisone and other drugs can reduce swelling and redness.
• Antibiotics: Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.

A swollen cheek is considered an emergency if accompanied by:

• High fever
• Breathing problems
• Speech problems
• Vision problems
• History of cancer or facial radiation