What is a Dental Cellulitis (Swollen Cheek)?

Pain felt at the level of the gums or teeth? It may be a dental cellulitis (a swollen cheek caused by a dental infection). But how to recognise it, what symptoms should alert and how to treat it?

Dental cellulitis: what is it?

A dental cellulitis, also designated by the term dental fluxion, corresponds to an acute inflammation that appears at the level of the teeth or the gums. Frequently painful and very uncomfortable, it most often constitutes the sign of an underlying infection present in the oral cavity. In the majority of cases, it is an abscess containing pus, which develops following a bacterial accumulation within the dental or gingival tissues.

What are the causes of dental cellulitis?

Several situations can be at the origin of a dental cellulitis:

• Untreated dental cavity: when a cavity progresses, the bacteria eventually reach the pulp of the tooth, triggering an infection likely to spread to neighbouring tissues and lead to an abscess.
• Periodontal diseases: pathologies such as periodontitis or gingivitis favour the appearance of pockets between the tooth and the gum. These spaces quickly become foci of infection, sometimes leading to a periodontal abscess and a dental cellulitis.
• Dental traumas: an impact (fracture, crack) can damage the dental or gingival tissues and open an entry point to bacteria.
• Eruption of wisdom teeth: it sometimes creates areas where food debris and bacteria accumulate. These spaces, difficult to clean, then become favourable sites for infection.

What are the symptoms of dental cellulitis?

Dental cellulitis manifests itself through different symptoms whose intensity and severity vary from one person to another:

• Pain: it may remain centred on the affected tooth or spread to other areas of the jaw. It is often more marked during chewing or on contact with hot or icy drinks.
• Edema at the level of the cheek or gum: the gum mucosa becomes swollen and painful to the touch.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Possible fever, sign of a general response of the body to the infection.
• Reddened and swollen gum around the affected tooth.

How to treat dental cellulitis?

If you present these signs, it is important to make an appointment with a dentist in Cannes.

It is conceivable to calm the pain while waiting thanks to natural remedies: a salt water mouthwash can contribute to reducing inflammation, as can taking painkillers and applying cold packs to alleviate pain and redness.

It nevertheless remains essential to consult a dentist quickly in order to benefit from a precise diagnosis and a targeted treatment.

The practitioner generally begins by proceeding with the drainage of the abscess, making a small incision to allow the evacuation of pus and the immediate relief of pain.

Once the infection is under control, the dentist tackles the original cause: a root canal treatment when the pulp is infected, an extraction if the tooth is too deteriorated, or a periodontal treatment in case of gum involvement.

Finally, antibiotics may be prescribed in order to eliminate the bacterial infection.

How to prevent dental cellulitis?

To limit the risk of dental cellulitis, as well as that of any other oral disease, a few simple gestures are required:

• Preserve a good oral hygiene:
  • Brush your teeth 2 to 3 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Use dental floss every day.
  • Perform mouthwashes regularly.
• Adopt a balanced diet:
  • Avoid frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks.
  • Limit acidic products.
• Consult a dentist regularly:
  • Schedule regular check-ups and scalings.
  • Quickly treat cavities and periodontal conditions from the first signs.
• Avoid tobacco:
  • Smoking weakens the gums and increases susceptibility to oral infections.

By taking care of your oral hygiene and remaining vigilant in the face of signs of infection, you can prevent dental cellulitis as well as most other dental or gingival conditions.