Facial Swelling

Dental infection is one cause. An abscess may follow a tooth problem, while infection around a partly erupted wisdom tooth can also produce local pain and swelling. Trauma and post-procedural problems are other emergency categories.

Keep brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily and clean between the teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes. A dental abscess needs dental treatment rather than home care alone.

Visual inspection and palpation are initial ways to look for redness, swelling, pus, tooth discolouration, or gum damage. Dental radiographs can show caries, an abscess, bone loss, or an erupting third molar that is not obvious on inspection.

An abscess is treated by draining the pus. If a tooth caused it, treatment may be root canal treatment or removal of the tooth. Local anaesthetic prevents pain during the procedure; painkillers and sometimes antibiotics follow.

Brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, spit rather than rinse, clean between the teeth daily, and replace the toothbrush every two to three months. Prompt treatment limits the chance of infection spreading.

Dental infection can bring localised tooth or gum pain, pus, redness, tooth discolouration, gum bleeding, or bad breath. Swelling can extend into deeper spaces of the neck and face when infection is not managed.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing, a swollen or painful eye, sudden sight problems, marked mouth swelling, or difficulty opening the mouth.