A swollen salivary gland is referred to as sialadenitis. Salivary gland stones, autoimmune conditions, and infections can cause sialadenitis. An irritated salivary gland may stop producing saliva, and in such cases, emergency dental care in Didsbury, AB can help.
Dental caries and periodontal disease are also causes of facial swelling. There are various treatment options that work for sialadenitis. Sialadenitis can also be caused by facial trauma, such as a concussion or a fall. A visit to an emergency dentist near Didsbury, AB is appropriate when non-emergency treatments fail to resolve swelling caused by sialadenitis.
Potential Reasons for Facial Swelling
- Tooth Abscess - Tooth abscess is a dental problem that results in swelling on the face. There are numerous reasons for abscesses, commonly known as dental abscesses; it may be caused by trauma, infection, or from decay in a tooth. In case of an infection, the lesion will normally form on the gums or near a tooth. The infection begins to go deeper into the tissue surrounding the tooth and causes pain, inflammation, or swelling of the gums. It can also spread to other parts of your body, including your jawbone, ears, and sinuses. When this happens, one should pursue emergency dental treatment in Didsbury, AB.
- Salivary Gland Infection - Sialadenitis is inflammation of one or both salivary glands. It is also referred to as sialogogue or sialolithiasis. A visit to an emergency dentist near Didsbury, AB is necessary when non-emergency treatments fail to control the swelling caused by sialadenitis.
What Is A Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess is a localized collection of pus that develops around a tooth. This pus can spread to nearby tissue and cause pain, swelling, and an unpleasant taste. Early detection of an abscess is important because it allows the dentist to diagnose and treat it as quickly as possible. If you have an infection in your gums or periodontal disease that reaches your teeth, you may develop an abscess.
Symptoms Of An Abscessed Tooth Include:
1) Swelling In Your Face or Cheek - A tooth abscess can cause swelling in your face and other symptoms such as fever, chills, toothache, and sensitivity to hot or cold liquids and food.
2) Severe, Throbbing, and Constant Toothache - A tooth abscess causes severe, throbbing, constant toothaches.
3) Sensitivity To Extreme Temperatures - Dental abscesses cause sensitivity to extreme temperatures. It also causes pain when you eat certain foods.
4) Fever - Tooth abscesses often cause fevers. They are also characterized by a general feeling of illness, chills, and swollen gums.
5) Swollen and/or Sore Lymph Nodes - Swollen and/or sore lymph nodes are present in most cases of tooth abscess.
6) Difficulty Swallowing (can also indicate a severe allergic reaction) - Difficulty swallowing can be observed in some cases.
7) Foul-Tasting Discharge In Your Mouth Followed By A Decrease In Pain - Tooth abscess causes foul-tasting drainage followed by a temporary decrease in pain.
8) Pain Or Discomfort When Chewing Or Biting - A tooth abscess causes pain and discomfort when chewing or biting.
9) Pain Or Discomfort With Deep Breathing - Tooth abscess causes pain and discomfort with deep breathing.
Causes Of Tooth Abscesses Include:
1) Poor Dental Habits And Care - Poor dental habits/care is one of the major causes of tooth abscesses. This includes improper flossing and brushing, eating junk food, smoking, using tobacco products, and grinding your teeth.
2) A Diet High In Sugar - A diet high in sugar is one of the main causes of tooth abscesses because it can lead to a build-up of excess plaque and bacteria on teeth. A build-up of plaque causes damage to your teeth and gums, which can lead to an abscess.
3) Dry Mouth - A lack of saliva in your mouth can cause tooth decay and lead to tooth abscesses.
4) Untreated Tooth Decay - Untreated tooth decay is another major cause of tooth abscess. Tooth decay occurs when there's an abundance of harmful bacteria in your mouth, which forms plaque. Bacteria in the plaque produce acids that wear away at the hard coating on your teeth. Eventually, the exposed areas become infected and a hole will form in the tooth, leading to an abscess.
5) Tooth Injury - Tooth injury caused by a fall or other impact can cause pain and infection.
6) Gum Disease - Gum disease is one of the factors that lead to tooth abscesses. Also, gum disease can make your gums lose their natural defenses and become susceptible to infection.
What Is Salivary Gland Infection (Sialadenitis)?
Salivary gland infections or sialadenitis is inflammation of one or both salivary glands. It is also referred to as sialogogue or sialolithiasis. The infection results from a combination of many factors, such as bacterial infection, low-level inflammation, and the reaction of the body's immune system against the protein components in saliva.
Salivary gland infections can result in severe pain and swelling that spreads to the lymph nodes in your neck. They can be life-threatening if they spread to your lungs or brain. Some cases do not respond to standard treatments and require more invasive care.
Symptoms of sialadenitis include:
- Enlargement, tenderness, and discoloration of one or more salivary glands
- Fever (when the inflammation leads to infection)
- Decreased saliva (a symptom of both acute and chronic sialadenitis)
- Pain while eating
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Swelling in your cheek(s) and neck
Sialadenitis causes include:
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Dehydration
- Recent illness
- Certain medications, such as diuretics, antihistamines, and beta-blockers
- Sjögren’s syndrome (an autoimmune disease)
- Poor oral hygiene
Reasons To Call A Dentist For Facial Swelling
Swollen facial areas can be a symptom of an array of conditions, from simple allergies and seasonal changes to more serious problems such as cancer. If you find yourself dealing with unexplained facial swelling, make an appointment to see a dentist for advice.
Why Choose Didsbury Smiles Dental For Your Facial Swelling?
Didsbury Smiles Dental offers professional and quality dental services, including accessible family dentistry, personalized orthodontics, friendly hygienic dentists, and general dentistry. Our dental clinic is located in Didsbury, AB.
Do you need help with facial swelling?
Emergency dentists in Didsbury, AB from Didsbury Smiles can help you.
