Wisdom tooth eruption causes many inconveniences, and one of the common discomforts is swollen cheeks. Understanding the causes as well as proper handling will help you quickly alleviate pain and discomfort. Let’s learn about the issue of “swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption” through the following article.
Causes of swollen cheeks during wisdom tooth eruption
- Misaligned wisdom teeth, lack of space: Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in the dental arch, usually between the ages of 17-25. Due to insufficient space, wisdom teeth may erupt misaligned, impinging on adjacent teeth, erupting sideways, or only partially erupting, causing swelling and inflammation of the surrounding tissues (According to the American Dental Association).
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in the dental arch, usually between the ages of 17-25
- Inflamed gum over wisdom tooth – the cause of swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption: Some gum tissue covers the wisdom tooth, forming a gum flap – a place where food and plaque easily accumulate, causing inflammation.
- Infection: When inflamed gum is not treated, bacteria can proliferate, leading to infection, causing more severe swelling and pain (According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Recognizable symptoms
- Swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth – symptoms of swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption: The swollen area may be on the inside or outside of the cheek, depending on the position of the erupting tooth. The degree of swelling can range from mild to severe, making the cheek appear asymmetrical.
- Wisdom tooth pain: Sensations ranging from dull, discomfort to intense throbbing pain. The pain may radiate to the jaw, ear, causing headaches.
Sensations ranging from dull, discomfort to intense throbbing pain are signs of wisdom tooth pain
- Difficulty eating, difficulty opening mouth: Due to pain and swelling, you may only be able to eat soft, liquid foods.
- Other symptoms: Mild fever, bad breath, fatigue (in cases of infection).
Handling swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption
Temporary pain relief solutions
- Applying cold compress to wisdom tooth – dealing with swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption: Use an ice pack or ice-pack-wrapped cloth on the swollen cheek to help reduce pain and numbness temporarily.
- Thoroughly clean wisdom tooth: Rinse with warm salt water, use dental floss and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the wisdom tooth and adjacent teeth.
- Pain relievers (over-the-counter): Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain. However, consult a pharmacist or doctor before use.
Definitive treatment
- Dental examination: X-rays help determine the exact position, direction of eruption of the wisdom tooth. The dentist will recommend appropriate treatment options.
The dentist will recommend appropriate treatment options for definitive treatment of swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption
- Extracting swollen wisdom tooth – dealing with swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption: In cases where the wisdom tooth is misaligned and complications arise, extraction is the definitive option.
- Flap surgery for inflamed gum: The dentist may remove the gum flap over the wisdom tooth, clean the area to reduce inflammation.
- Antibiotics: If there are signs of infection, the dentist may prescribe appropriate antibiotics.
Expert advice
- Do not attempt to handle swelling or pain from wisdom teeth at home with folk remedies to avoid worsening conditions.
- Visit the dentist as soon as possible when experiencing swollen cheeks, especially if accompanied by fever or difficulty swallowing, signs of spreading infection.
- Early management of misaligned wisdom teeth to avoid dangerous complications such as jaw cysts, tooth impaction, adjacent tooth decay…
Some frequently asked questions about “swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption”
Here are 5 frequently asked questions related to “swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption“:
- How long does it take for swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption to heal?
No fixed time: Depending on the cause (misalignment, inflamed gum, infection…) and treatment method, the recovery time will vary. Quick pain reduction: Cold compress, proper hygiene, pain relievers can help temporarily reduce swelling and pain within a few days. Definitive treatment takes time: If wisdom teeth are extracted or treated for inflammation, infection, swelling may persist for 1-2 weeks.
- Does swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption require extraction?
Dental examination for determination: Not all cases of swelling require extraction. The dentist will assess the degree of swelling, the direction of tooth eruption (via X-ray) to make a decision. Cases that may require wisdom tooth extraction:
Misaligned teeth, impaction. Submerged teeth under the gum, unable to erupt. Recurrent inflamed gum flap. Causing adjacent teeth to decay, impaction.
- Should I apply heat or cold when wisdom teeth cause swollen cheeks?
Cold compress is the correct solution: Cold compress reduces pain, constricts blood vessels, and reduces swelling. Avoid heat compress: Heat expands blood vessels, making swelling worse and increasing the risk of infection.
- What medications should I take for swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption?
Consideration for medication groups:
Over-the-counter pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen…) Antibiotics (in cases of bacterial infection, as directed by a doctor) Do not self-medicate: Depending on the cause, the health condition of each individual, prescription may vary. Consult a pharmacist or doctor before taking medication.
- Is swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption dangerous?
Most cases are not dangerous: If only mild swelling occurs and pain can be relieved by conventional methods, there is no need to worry excessively. Monitor the signs:
Rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain. High fever, difficulty swallowing. Strong foul breath. These signs indicate infection: Prompt dental examination is essential as infection can affect overall health and spread to surrounding areas…
Some scientific evidence about “swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption”
Here are some scientific evidence about “swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption“:
- Document: “Facial swelling: Causes and diagnosis” (2021) from Mayo Clinic describes the causes of facial swelling, including swelling from wisdom tooth eruption.
- Document: “Eating and drinking difficulties: Causes and treatment” (2020) from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) explains the causes of eating difficulties, including swelling from wisdom tooth eruption.
- Article: “The use of cold compress to reduce pain and swelling after wisdom tooth extraction” (2016) demonstrates the effectiveness of cold compresses in reducing pain and swelling after wisdom tooth extraction.
- Article: “The importance of oral hygiene in preventing pericoronitis” (2019) emphasizes the importance of oral hygiene in preventing inflamed gum flaps.
- Study: “The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of pain and inflammation after wisdom tooth extraction” (2017) evaluates the effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing pain and swelling after wisdom tooth extraction.
Swollen cheeks from wisdom tooth eruption can cause a lot of discomfort, affecting daily activities. Quickly consult a dentist for diagnosis and treatment to avoid potential risks.
References:
https://www.integrativeofs.com/surgical-instructions/after-wisdom-tooth-removal/
https://mywisdomtoothdentist.com.au/how-to-reduce-swelling-after-wisdom-tooth-extraction/
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
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