Inflammation of the cheek
introduction
Inflammation of the cheek can have different causes. The cheek delimits the inside of the mouth and is lined there with mucous membrane. There are numerous salivary glands within the mucous membrane. On the outside, the skin forms the end of the cheek and covers the facial and chewing muscles.
External inflammation of the cheek
Inflammation on the outside of the cheek can come from the skin. If the hair follicles in the skin of the cheek become inflamed, a painful reddening, known as folliculitis, forms, which can be caused by bacteria. If the folliculitis worsens as pus forms, the inflammation is called a boil. These boils should never be expressed by the person affected, but should be treated by a doctor, as the inflammation can spread. The so-called erysipelas is also a bacterial inflammation of the skin. This results in redness, swelling and overheating (sometimes also fever) in the nose and cheek area.
The diseases mentioned above are mostly caused by bacteria. Viruses can also cause inflammatory changes in the cheek area. For example, the herpes virus and the varicella zoster virus cause skin lesions that are extremely painful and can be the starting point for inflammation.
If inflammation of the cheek occurs as a result of colds or the flu, it is possible that an untreated and very severe inflammation of the paranasal sinuses spreads to the skin of the cheek.
Inflammation of the cheek can be treated easily with antibiotic and cortisone-containing ointments, as well as with compresses with disinfectant solution.
Inside inflammation of the cheek
Inflammation that starts from the inside of the cheek has its origin either in the mucous membrane, in the salivary glands or comes from an inflammation of the dental system.
Read more on the topic: Betaisodona oral antiseptic
Bitten on the lining of the cheek
Almost every patient has experienced this phenomenon, where they accidentally bite the cheek and the area becomes infected as a result. Constant sucking or gnawing on the cheek can also trigger these symptoms. The injury is usually in the occlusal plane and forms a line exactly at the height at which the upper and lower teeth meet. The injury is visible in the mucous membrane as a white line surrounded by reddened mucous membrane. Inside the oral cavity, this inflammation is warm to the touch and can be painful, making it uncomfortable to touch. It is noticeable that cold drinks and food can improve symptoms and relieve pain.
Saliva usually contains antibodies that fight bacteria and viruses. If the immune system is weakened, the mucous membrane can quickly become inflamed. Such an inflammation can be triggered by poor dental hygiene, but injuries and burns from hot food, as well as malnutrition, can also promote inflammation. Treatment for such inflammation is based on the trigger. In most cases, it is sufficient to rinse the mouth regularly with a mouthwash in which the medication is dissolved. There are also disinfectants in the form of lozenges or solutions.
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- Oral hygiene
- dental care
Inflammation of the cheek with a swelling
Cheek infection may or may not be accompanied by swelling, depending on the severity of the inflammation and the body's immune response. The swelling is a normal sign of any inflammation that increases the cheek mucous membrane in constant contact with the rows of teeth. This constant contact and the friction that occurs when eating food can make the swelling even bigger and more massive.
It is recommended to cool the affected area from the outside and to eat cold food and drinks. If the swelling continues to spread, so that there is a strong feeling of pressure, the treating dentist should be visited to prevent the development of an abscess or cyst. This is because an abscess in the upper jaw can spread to the cheek region. In the worst case, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause a systemic disease called sepsis. This condition can be life threatening.
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Inflammation of the tooth, the root of the tooth, or the supporting structures of the teeth can spread and cause inflammation and swelling of the cheek and lymph nodes. In these cases, a dentist should urgently be consulted who will stop the inflammatory process in the tooth before the inflammation spreads further to the tooth root or the jawbone.
Read more on the subject Swollen cheek
Inflammation of the cheek from a pimple
Bacterial or viral pathogens, as well as fungi, can inflame the oral mucosa locally or generalized. As a local expression, pimples appear within the oral cavity, which can trigger further inflammatory reactions.
These pimples appear very rarely, but they have unpleasant effects. They are caused by excessive sebum production and if they remain they can also inflame a large area of the oral mucosa. The tongue reflexively jumps again and again to the affected area, as it is also associated with a feeling of pressure.
Read more about this under
- Aphthae - painful, inflammation-related blisters in the mouth
- Pus in the mouth
The salivary gland inflammation
If the salivary glands become inflamed, unilateral pain and swelling suddenly appear in the mouth where the gland is located. The overlying skin of the cheek is then very warm and reddened, and the inflammation makes the gland hard and sensitive to pressure.The pain increases when more saliva is produced and cannot flow out of the gland due to the inflammation, i.e. mainly when chewing and eating. Inflammation of the salivary glands can be acute and chronic. The relief comes from cool compresses that have a decongestant effect and reduce pain. Pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol are used to relieve the pain. These also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial inflammation of the salivary glands.
Inflammation of the cheek after a wisdom tooth operation
After wisdom tooth extraction, inflammation in the area of the wounds is not uncommon. Open wounds always pose a risk of infection and can become inflamed if they are not closed tightly with sutures. This delays wound closure and the wounds are very painful.
Therefore, dairy products should be avoided for the first two days after the teeth have been extracted, as the lactic acid bacteria can inflame the wounds. Furthermore, excessive rinsing should be avoided so that the blood cells in the empty tooth socket can restructure themselves so that the wound closes - even if rinsing with chlorhexidine could, for example, relieve the inflammation.
Read more about this under Inflammation after a wisdom tooth operation
Duration of inflammation on the cheek
The inflammation of the cheek usually subsides completely after one to two weeks.
If the signs of inflammation are particularly strong, it can last longer.
Regular rinsing with chlorhexidine can reduce signs of inflammation, but not with open wounds in the mouth, such as after a wisdom tooth removal.
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