Swelling of the face or jaw can occur for various reasons, and dental problems are among the more common causes. The swelling may appear suddenly—developing over hours—or gradually over several days. It might be localised to a small area near a tooth or extend across a larger portion of the cheek or jawline.
When swelling is related to a dental issue, it typically indicates that something requires professional attention. While the appearance of facial swelling can be concerning, most dental-related causes can be effectively managed once properly assessed and treated.
Why Can a Tooth Cause Facial or Jaw Swelling?
Teeth are surrounded by gum tissue, bone, and soft tissues of the face. When a dental infection or significant inflammation develops, it doesn't remain confined to the tooth itself. The infection or inflammatory response can spread into the surrounding tissues, causing visible and palpable swelling.
The location of swelling often reflects which tooth is affected. Upper teeth may cause swelling in the cheek or below the eye, while lower teeth can lead to swelling along the jawline or beneath the chin. The body's immune response to infection also contributes to the swelling as blood flow increases to the affected area.
Common Dental Causes of Facial or Jaw Swelling
Several dental conditions can lead to swelling in the face or jaw. Only a dental professional can confirm the specific cause following examination.
Dental Abscesses
A collection of pus caused by bacterial infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum. Abscesses commonly cause localised swelling that may spread to surrounding areas.
Advanced Tooth Decay
When decay progresses deep into a tooth, it can reach the pulp and lead to infection, which may cause swelling in the face or jaw.
Gum Infections
Infections of the gum tissue, including advanced gum disease (periodontitis), can cause swelling around affected teeth and sometimes spread to adjacent areas.
Impacted or Infected Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that are partially erupted or trapped beneath the gum can become infected, leading to swelling in the back of the jaw or cheek.
Dental Trauma or Cracked Teeth
Injuries to teeth or cracks that expose the inner tooth structure can allow bacteria to enter, potentially causing infection and swelling.
Symptoms That May Accompany Swelling
Facial or jaw swelling from a dental cause is often accompanied by other symptoms. The combination of symptoms can vary depending on the underlying problem.
Toothache or Throbbing Pain
Pain in or around a tooth, which may be constant or intermittent, often accompanies swelling.
Tenderness or Warmth
The swollen area may feel tender to touch and warmer than surrounding tissue.
Difficulty Chewing or Opening the Mouth
Swelling can restrict jaw movement, making it uncomfortable to eat or open the mouth fully.
Bad Taste in the Mouth
If an abscess is draining, you may notice an unpleasant taste, which can indicate active infection.
Fever or Feeling Unwell
Systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or generally feeling unwell may accompany more significant infections.
When Swelling Needs Urgent Dental Assessment
While most dental-related swelling can be managed with routine dental care, certain signs suggest that assessment should not be delayed. Consider seeking prompt dental evaluation if you experience:
- Swelling that is increasing or spreading to other areas
- Fever or feeling generally unwell alongside the swelling
- Swelling affecting the area around the eye, neck, or throat
- Difficulty opening the mouth, speaking, or swallowing
- Breathing difficulties or a feeling of the airway being affected
These signs may indicate that infection is more significant and would benefit from timely professional assessment.
How Dentists Assess Facial or Jaw Swelling
When you attend a dental appointment for facial or jaw swelling, the dentist will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the cause and determine appropriate management.
- Clinical examination: The dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and the swollen area, checking for signs of infection, decay, or other dental problems.
- Dental imaging: X-rays may be taken to visualise the roots of teeth, surrounding bone, and any areas of infection not visible on the surface.
- Assessment and planning: Once the cause is identified, the dentist will discuss treatment options and the most appropriate approach for your situation.
This systematic approach ensures that treatment addresses the underlying dental cause rather than simply managing symptoms.
Treatment Options for Dental-Related Swelling
Treatment for facial or jaw swelling depends on the underlying dental cause. Following assessment, management may include one or more of the following approaches:
Drainage of Infection
Where an abscess has formed, the dentist may need to drain the collection of pus to relieve pressure and allow healing to begin.
Root Canal Treatment
If the infection originates from within the tooth, root canal treatment may be recommended to remove infected tissue and preserve the tooth.
Tooth Extraction
In cases where a tooth cannot be saved or is the ongoing source of infection, extraction may be the most appropriate option.
Antibiotic Prescription
When clinically indicated, antibiotics may be prescribed to help manage spreading infection. This decision is made by the dentist based on individual assessment.
It's important to note that antibiotics are not always required and are not a substitute for dental treatment. All treatment decisions are made by the dentist based on individual assessment.
Professional Assessment for Facial or Jaw Swelling
If you have swelling of the face or jaw that may be related to a dental problem, professional assessment can help identify the cause and determine the safest approach to management. Early evaluation often allows for more straightforward treatment.
Depending on the cause, you may require urgent dental assessment, root canal treatment to address infection within a tooth, or in some cases, tooth extraction may be recommended. Our general dental care team can assess your symptoms and advise on the most appropriate treatment.
Dental assessment for facial or jaw swelling is available at our London clinics: our South Kensington Dental Clinic and our St Paul's Clinic in the City of London.
Can Facial Swelling from a Tooth Go Away on Its Own?
In some cases, swelling may reduce temporarily without treatment. This can occur if an abscess drains spontaneously or if the body's immune response manages to contain the infection to some degree. However, this doesn't mean the underlying problem has resolved.
Dental infections and the conditions that cause them—such as decay, cracks, or gum disease—typically require professional treatment to fully resolve. Without addressing the source, infection often returns, sometimes more severely than before.
Even if swelling appears to improve, it remains advisable to have the area assessed. A dentist can determine whether ongoing issues remain and whether treatment is needed to prevent recurrence.
Reducing the Risk of Dental-Related Swelling
While not all causes of dental swelling can be prevented, maintaining good oral health reduces your risk significantly:
- Attend regular dental check-ups to identify problems early
- Seek prompt treatment for tooth decay before it progresses
- Address gum disease with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene
- Have dental pain or trauma assessed rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen
- Maintain good daily oral hygiene with twice-daily brushing and interdental cleaning
