What illness causes cheek swelling? Identifying the cause and when to seek help

September 26, 2025 •

4 min read

While most people associate a swollen cheek with a minor dental issue, the truth is that a wide range of medical conditions can cause this symptom. Knowing what illness causes cheek swelling is crucial for getting the right treatment and avoiding potential complications.

Quick Summary

A swollen cheek is a symptom of many underlying health issues, including dental abscesses, salivary gland infections (mumps), cellulitis, and sinus infections. Allergic reactions, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune diseases can also contribute to facial puffiness, making an accurate diagnosis important.

Key Points

Dental Infections: A tooth abscess is a common cause of single-sided, painful cheek swelling that requires urgent dental care to prevent the infection from spreading.
Viral Infections: Viral infections like mumps can cause characteristic puffiness in the cheeks due to swelling of the parotid salivary glands.
Skin Infections: Cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin, can cause a red, warm, and tender swelling of the cheek that needs prompt medical attention.
Allergic Reactions: Angioedema or severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis can cause sudden and serious facial swelling and require immediate emergency care.
Systemic Conditions: Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome, and autoimmune disorders like Sjögren's syndrome can also lead to facial and cheek puffiness.
Seek Professional Advice: Persistent, painful, or rapidly worsening cheek swelling, especially with fever or breathing difficulty, warrants immediate medical or dental evaluation.

Infections as a primary culprit

Infections are among the most common causes of cheek swelling, originating from dental issues, viruses, or bacterial skin conditions. Identifying the source is a critical step toward effective treatment.

Dental-related infections

A dental abscess is a localized infection that causes a pocket of pus to form in the tooth's root or the gums. The body's immune response to this infection can cause significant and painful swelling in the surrounding jaw and cheek. An untreated abscess is a serious issue, as the infection can spread to other areas of the head and neck.

Symptoms: Severe, throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and a foul taste in the mouth if the abscess drains.
Causes: Untreated tooth decay, gum disease (periodontitis), or a cracked tooth that allows bacteria to reach the inner pulp.
Treatment: Requires dental intervention, such as draining the abscess, a root canal, or extraction of the tooth, often alongside a course of antibiotics.

Viral and bacterial infections

Several widespread infections can trigger inflammation in the glands located in the face, leading to prominent cheek swelling.

Mumps: A contagious viral infection that causes the parotid salivary glands, located below and in front of the ears, to swell. This leads to the characteristic "chipmunk cheeks." Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can affect the face, causing the skin to become red, warm, tender, and swollen. It can be serious if the infection spreads to the bloodstream.
Salivary gland infections (Sialadenitis): These infections can occur when the salivary glands become blocked, often by a salivary stone, causing a painful, tender swelling in the cheek or jaw area. Fever and foul-tasting discharge may also be present.

Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)

Inflammation of the sinuses can create pressure and fluid buildup behind the cheekbones, causing the cheeks and eyes to look puffy. This swelling is often accompanied by a headache, nasal congestion, and facial pain that worsens when bending forward.

Systemic conditions affecting the face

Beyond localized infections, some broader medical conditions can present with cheek or facial swelling as a key symptom.

Hormonal and autoimmune disorders

Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to a range of symptoms, including generalized fatigue and weight gain, which can cause a noticeably puffy or swollen face.
Cushing's Syndrome: A condition caused by an overproduction of the hormone cortisol. Weight gain in the face and neck is a hallmark symptom, leading to a round, puffy appearance often described as a "moon face".
Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks glands that produce moisture, such as the salivary glands. This can cause swelling in the cheeks as a result.

Allergic reactions

Allergic responses can trigger sudden and dramatic swelling in the face and cheeks, which can be a medical emergency.

Angioedema: A reaction that causes swelling deep beneath the skin, often around the cheeks, eyes, and lips. It can be triggered by food, medication, or allergens.
Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Swelling can rapidly affect the face, tongue, and throat, causing difficulty breathing.

Comparison of common cheek swelling causes

To help differentiate between the various causes, here is a comparison of common symptoms associated with some of the more frequent illnesses.


Feature	Dental Abscess	Mumps	Cellulitis	Sinusitis
Symptom Onset	Often gradual, worsening pain	Delayed (2-4 weeks after exposure)	Rapid, can appear suddenly	Can be gradual or quick
Swelling Location	Usually one side, often near a specific tooth or gum	One or both sides, near the jaw/ears	Any part of the cheek, spreading redness	Both sides, under eyes and cheeks
Accompanying Symptoms	Toothache, fever, sensitivity	Fever, headache, muscle aches	Fever, warm/tender skin, chills	Headache, nasal congestion, facial pressure
Pain Level	Severe, throbbing pain	Pain with chewing and swallowing	Painful, tender to the touch	Aching facial pressure
Appearance	Localized lump, redness	Puffy, swollen cheeks	Red, inflamed, may have blisters	Generalized puffiness of the face

When to seek medical attention

While some minor swelling may resolve on its own, several signs indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate medical care. You should see a doctor or dentist promptly if you experience:

Swelling that is severe, rapidly worsening, or accompanied by a high fever.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Intense pain that does not subside.
Vision changes, such as blurry or double vision.
A history of recent dental work or trauma.
If the swelling persists for more than a few days.

Conclusion: Navigating the complex causes of cheek swelling

Swelling in the cheek is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and it can stem from a wide array of conditions ranging from a simple dental abscess to more complex hormonal or autoimmune diseases. Proper diagnosis is key to an effective treatment plan. While at-home remedies like cold compresses may provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause. If you are experiencing persistent or worrying cheek swelling, seeking professional medical advice is the most important step toward protecting your health and resolving the issue.

For more information on general health and symptoms, you can visit the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) website at https://www.nih.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

A minor swelling from a mild injury might resolve on its own, but swelling caused by an infection, like a tooth abscess, will not. Leaving an underlying infection untreated can lead to serious complications, so professional evaluation is necessary.

While waiting to see a doctor or dentist, a cold compress applied to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce inflammation and pain. Elevating your head with extra pillows can also assist in decreasing facial fluid retention.

Cheek swelling from a tooth infection is often accompanied by a persistent, throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, and sometimes fever. The swelling is usually localized to one side of the face near the infected tooth.

Cheek swelling is an emergency if it is severe and rapid, especially if accompanied by a high fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, changes in vision, or intense, unrelenting pain. These symptoms can indicate a rapidly spreading infection.

Yes, allergic reactions can cause swelling in the cheeks. Angioedema, a condition involving swelling deep under the skin, can be triggered by allergies to foods or medications. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can cause dangerous swelling of the face and throat.

Not necessarily. Swelling on one side is more common with localized issues like a tooth abscess or salivary stone. Swelling in both cheeks is more characteristic of systemic conditions like mumps, hypothyroidism, or Cushing's syndrome.

Your maxillary sinuses are located behind your cheekbones. When these sinuses become inflamed or infected, fluid can build up and create pressure that manifests as swelling and tenderness in your cheeks and under your eyes.