Mouth swelling causes
Mouth swelling can come from a dental infection, gum disease, trauma, a blocked salivary gland, an ulcer, or a medical reaction.
The short answer
Swelling reflects inflamed tissue or collected fluid, pus, or blood. Location, onset, pain, fever, and swallowing symptoms help identify its source.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
An abscess may form around a root or in gum tissue, while salivary swelling can occur near the cheek, floor of mouth, or under the jaw. Do not squeeze it or apply aspirin.
What can you do next?
Breathing or swallowing difficulty, spread toward the eye or neck, fever, or marked illness requires urgent help; localized painful swelling needs prompt dental care.
When should you seek dental care?
Which tissue is swollen, is there an abscess or salivary problem, and what imaging is needed?
Frequently asked questions
What changes the advice?
An abscess may form around a root or in gum tissue, while salivary swelling can occur near the cheek, floor of mouth, or under the jaw. Do not squeeze it or apply aspirin.
What should I do now?
Breathing or swallowing difficulty, spread toward the eye or neck, fever, or marked illness requires urgent help; localized painful swelling needs prompt dental care.