Swollen Face or Jaw from a Tooth: Causes and Emergency Care.
Swelling of the face or jaw may occur when infection develops inside a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. It can develop gradually or appear relatively quickly, and the severity can vary considerably. Professional assessment is important to determine the cause, evaluate the extent of any infection, and identify the most appropriate course of management. Early evaluation can help prevent progression and support more straightforward treatment.
Urgent Assessment
If you have facial or jaw swelling that may be related to a tooth, a prompt professional assessment can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate next steps.
“Seen quickly when my face swelled up. The team were calm, thorough and reassuring.”
Why Can a Tooth Cause Facial or Jaw Swelling?
The teeth are closely connected to the surrounding bone, soft tissues, and facial structures. When infection develops within a tooth or at its root, it can spread beyond the tooth itself and cause visible swelling in the face or jaw.
Infection Within the Tooth
When bacteria reach the pulp — the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth — infection can develop and spread through the root canals into the surrounding bone tissue, creating pressure and inflammation.
Abscess Formation
A dental abscess — a localised collection of pus — may form at the tip of the tooth root or within the gum tissue. As fluid accumulates, it can cause visible swelling that may spread to the cheek, jaw, or under the eye.
Immune Response
Swelling is partly the body’s natural immune response to infection. Increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in the affected area are part of the inflammatory process as the body attempts to contain the infection.
Not all dental swelling is severe, and the degree of swelling does not always correlate directly with the seriousness of the infection. However, any facial or jaw swelling potentially linked to a tooth should be assessed professionally. A can identify the source and guide appropriate management.
Common Causes
Facial or jaw swelling from a dental origin can arise from several conditions. Understanding the potential causes can help explain why professional assessment is important for determining the appropriate management approach.
1Untreated Tooth Decay
When decay is left untreated, bacteria can progressively penetrate through the enamel and dentine into the pulp chamber. Once the pulp becomes infected, the infection can spread through the root canals to the bone at the tip of the root, potentially causing swelling.
2Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a collection of pus that forms either at the root tip (periapical abscess) or within the gum tissue (periodontal abscess). The pressure from accumulated pus can cause significant localised swelling that may extend into the face or jaw.
3Advanced Gum Disease
Severe periodontal disease can lead to deep pockets of infection around the roots of the teeth. In some cases, a periodontal abscess may form, causing localised or more widespread swelling of the gums and surrounding tissues.
4Impacted or Infected Wisdom Teeth
Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth are particularly prone to infection (pericoronitis) because the overlying gum tissue can trap food and bacteria. This may lead to swelling of the jaw, cheek, or the area around the angle of the jaw.
5Cracked or Traumatised Teeth
A tooth that has been cracked through trauma or excessive biting force may allow bacteria to enter the inner structures. If the pulp becomes infected following injury, swelling may develop days or even weeks after the original trauma.
The cause of swelling cannot always be determined without a clinical examination and appropriate imaging. A professional assessment at our clinic can help identify the source and determine the most suitable treatment pathway.
Signs That May Require Urgent Assessment
While not all dental swelling requires emergency treatment, certain signs may indicate that the infection is more significant and would benefit from prompt professional evaluation. Being aware of these signs can help you make an informed decision about when to seek care.
Increasing Facial Swelling
Swelling that is visibly worsening or spreading to other areas of the face — particularly if it extends towards the eye, neck, or floor of the mouth — may indicate progression and should be assessed promptly.
Severe or Worsening Pain
Intense, persistent, or escalating pain — particularly if it disrupts sleep or is not adequately managed with over-the-counter pain relief — may suggest a more significant infection requiring professional intervention.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth
Limited mouth opening (trismus) may occur when infection or inflammation affects the muscles of the jaw. This can make eating and oral hygiene difficult and may indicate deeper tissue involvement.
Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing
Although rare, infection can occasionally spread to areas that affect the airway. Any difficulty swallowing or breathing associated with dental swelling should be treated as a medical emergency.
Fever or Feeling Unwell
A raised temperature, chills, or a general feeling of being unwell alongside dental swelling may indicate that the infection is affecting the body more broadly. This warrants prompt assessment.
Important Safety Information
If you experience difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, rapidly worsening swelling, or feel severely unwell, please attend your nearest Accident & Emergency department or call 999 immediately. These symptoms may indicate a more serious situation requiring urgent medical attention.
For dental swelling without these emergency features, arranging a prompt dental appointment is generally the most appropriate course of action. Our team can assess the situation and provide guidance on the urgency of your case.
Infection Management Principles
The management of facial or jaw swelling caused by a dental infection depends on the clinical findings. The primary aim is to address the source of the infection. Several treatment approaches may be considered, and the most appropriate option is determined following a thorough assessment.
Professional Drainage
Where an abscess has formed, professional drainage aims to release the accumulated pus and reduce pressure. This may involve incision and drainage of a soft tissue abscess or accessing the tooth to allow drainage through the root canals. Drainage aims to control infection and may reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Aim
Release infection and reduce pressure
Clinical assessment determines approach
Root Canal Treatment
If the infection originates from within the tooth, may be recommended to remove the infected pulp tissue, clean and disinfect the root canal system, and seal the tooth. This approach aims to eliminate the source of infection while preserving the natural tooth where possible.
Aim
Remove infected pulp and preserve the tooth
Treatment depends on clinical assessment
Tooth Extraction
In some cases, the affected tooth may be too damaged or the infection too extensive for the tooth to be predictably saved. may then be recommended to remove the source of infection. This is typically considered when other treatment options are unlikely to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
Aim
Remove the source of infection entirely
Considered when the tooth cannot be saved
Periodontal Treatment
If swelling is related to gum disease or a periodontal abscess, aims to remove bacteria and infected tissue from around the tooth roots. This may involve deep cleaning, drainage, and ongoing management to support gum health and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Aim
Address gum-related infection sources
May include deep cleaning & follow-up
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Following initial treatment, monitoring appointments may be arranged to assess healing, check for resolution of infection, and plan any further restorative work that may be needed. In some cases, the dentist may also discuss options for replacing an extracted tooth, such as dental implants or bridges.
Aim
Ensure healing and plan ongoing care
Review at subsequent appointments
Treatment approach and outcomes depend on individual clinical findings. Your dentist will discuss the available options and recommended approach following a thorough assessment of the affected area.
Risks of Delaying Treatment
While not all dental swelling progresses to a serious situation, delaying assessment and treatment may increase certain risks. Understanding these potential consequences can help inform your decision about when to seek professional care.
Infection May Spread
Dental infections can potentially extend from the original tooth to the surrounding bone, soft tissues, and adjacent anatomical spaces. In uncommon cases, the infection may spread to the neck, chest, or bloodstream.
Swelling May Increase
Without treatment addressing the source, swelling may continue to worsen. Increased swelling can become progressively uncomfortable and may begin to affect jaw function, vision, or breathing.
Greater Discomfort
As infection progresses, pain and discomfort typically increase. What may start as a manageable ache can develop into severe pain that significantly affects daily activities, sleep, and quality of life.
More Complex Treatment Required
An infection treated early may be resolved with a relatively straightforward procedure. Delayed treatment may mean the tooth cannot be saved, or that additional procedures — such as surgical drainage — become necessary.
A Measured Perspective
The purpose of highlighting these risks is not to cause alarm, but to provide a balanced understanding of why professional assessment is advisable when facial or jaw swelling develops in connection with a dental problem.
Many dental infections are straightforward to manage when addressed promptly. The key point is that professional evaluation allows the severity to be assessed accurately, so that appropriate treatment can be provided in a timely manner.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
If you have developed facial or jaw swelling that you believe may be related to a tooth, the following general guidance may help manage comfort while you arrange a professional dental assessment.
General Guidance
Avoid biting or chewing on the affected side to reduce discomfort and pressure.
Maintain gentle oral hygiene — brush carefully and rinse with warm salt water if comfortable to do so.
Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks, which may increase sensitivity or discomfort.
Rest and try to keep your head slightly elevated, which may help reduce the sensation of pressure.
Arrange a professional dental assessment at the earliest suitable opportunity.
Important Reminders
Do not attempt to drain any swelling or abscess yourself — this requires professional treatment in a clinical setting.
Do not apply heat to the swollen area, as this may worsen inflammation.
Do not ignore worsening symptoms — increasing swelling, difficulty swallowing, or feeling unwell warrant urgent assessment.
Do not delay seeking professional care — the sooner the cause is identified, the more straightforward treatment tends to be.
If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, attend A&E or call 999 immediately.
This guidance is for general information only and does not replace professional dental or medical advice. If your symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, please seek urgent professional care.
Related Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Urgent Dental Assessment for Facial Swelling
If you develop facial or jaw swelling linked to a tooth, professional dental assessment can help identify the cause and determine appropriate infection management. Assessment and management of facial or jaw swelling related to dental infection are available at our London clinic, where professional evaluation can determine the most appropriate course of care.
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Whether you need urgent assessment for dental swelling or ongoing restorative care, our South Kensington team can evaluate the situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.
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