Why Does My Face Swell with a Toothache?

Understanding Facial Swelling and Dental Infections

Toothache is already a pain – literally. But when your face starts to swell along with it, things can quickly go from uncomfortable to concerning. If you’ve found yourself looking in the mirror and noticing that one side of your face is puffier than usual (or even dramatically swollen), you’re probably asking: “Why is this happening, and should I be worried?”

In this article, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about facial swelling linked to dental issues – why it happens, what it could mean, and what you should do next. We’ll keep it simple, friendly, and practical – so you can feel informed and know when it’s time to seek help.

What Causes Facial Swelling with a Toothache?

Facial swelling usually doesn’t come from nowhere – it’s your body waving a red flag to say something’s wrong. In many cases, this is a sign of a dental infection that’s spreading from a tooth into the surrounding tissues.

Here are the most common culprits behind that swelling:

1. Dental Abscess (Tooth Infection) [click here for more information]

This is one of the top causes of facial swelling linked to toothache. A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can occur:

• Inside the tooth (periapical abscess)
• In the gums (periodontal abscess)
• In the tissues surrounding the tooth (dentoalveolar abscess)
• As the infection builds up, it pushes against nearby tissue, leading to:
• Swelling in your gums
• Pain when you bite or chew
• Swelling in your cheek, jaw, or even under your eye or neck

2. Impacted Wisdom Teeth [click here for more information]

If your wisdom teeth haven’t come in properly (which is quite common), they can become partially trapped under the gums. Bacteria sneak into the area, leading to an infection called pericoronitis, which can cause facial swelling.

3. Gum Disease (Periodontitis) [click here for more information]

Infections don’t always start inside a tooth. Advanced gum disease can lead to gum inflammation and infection that spreads below the surface and causes swelling.

4. Injury or Trauma

If you’ve had a blow to the face or accidentally bit down on something hard, swelling can be your body’s response to inflammation and injury, especially if the tooth or gums are damaged.

Why Does the Swelling Get So Big, So Fast?

Good question and an important one!

Your body reacts quickly to infection. When bacteria get into a tooth or gum, your immune system rushes in to fight it. The result? White blood cells flood the area, causing inflammation, which leads to:

• Fluid build-up
• Heat
• Redness
• And in more serious cases – a visible lump or swelling on your face or jaw

This is your body trying to isolate the infection, but sometimes, it can’t fight it off on its own, and that’s when you need professional help.

How Do I Know If My Facial Swelling Is Serious?

Let’s be honest: any swelling around the face should be taken seriously, especially if it’s accompanied by:

• Throbbing pain
• Fever or chills
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble opening your mouth
• Swelling that’s spreading quickly

These can all be signs of a spreading infection, which, if left untreated, can result in more serious conditions like:

• Cellulitis (a skin infection)
• Ludwig’s angina (a severe infection in the floor of the mouth)
• Sepsis (when infection spreads into the bloodstream)

These are medical emergencies, and you should not wait. If you’re struggling to breathe, swallow, or your fever is climbing, it’s time to head to A&E right away.

Can a Swollen Face Go Down on Its Own?

In very mild cases, such as a small bit of irritation or early gum inflammation, the swelling might go down on its own with good hygiene and warm saltwater rinses.

But here’s the truth:
If your swelling is caused by a tooth infection, it will not go away permanently without proper treatment.

Painkillers and antibiotics may ease the symptoms, but the underlying issue, whether it’s a decayed tooth, infection, or abscess, needs to be treated by a dentist.

Otherwise, the problem is likely to come back… worse.

What Will the Dentist Do for Facial Swelling?

At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, our first priority is to get you out of pain and stop the infection from spreading. Here’s what we typically do:

✅ Step 1: Assess the Swelling
We’ll examine the affected area and may take X-rays or a CT scan (which we have in-house) to check where the infection is and how far it’s gone.

✅ Step 2: Drain the Infection (if needed)
If there’s an abscess, we might need to release the pus to reduce pressure and pain. Don’t worry – we use local anaesthetic, and this usually provides instant relief.

✅ Step 3: Treat the Root Cause
Depending on the issue, this might involve:

• Root canal treatment (to clean out the infection from inside the tooth)
• Tooth extraction (if the tooth can’t be saved)
• Cleaning and antibiotics (for gum-related infections)

✅ Step 4: Prescribe Antibiotics (when necessary)
We may prescribe a course of antibiotics to help your body fight the infection—especially if swelling has spread beyond the immediate tooth area.

How to Prevent Facial Swelling from Toothaches

The best way to avoid all this trouble? Stay ahead of it. Here are our top tips:

• Brush twice a day (don’t skip those back molars!)
• Floss daily to clean the areas your toothbrush can’t reach
• Visit your dentist every 6 months for check-ups and cleanings
• Address small issues early—a tiny cavity today could be a big problem in six months
• Avoid smoking, which increases your risk of gum disease and infections

And if you notice any of these early signs:

• Sensitivity
• Swollen gums
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Pain when biting

…don’t wait. A quick visit now could save you a lot of pain later.

When to Call Us at 24-Hour Emergency Dentist

We’re not called 24-Hour Emergency Dentist for nothing! Here’s when you should absolutely pick up the phone:

• Your face is swelling, and pain is increasing
• You’re having trouble opening your mouth or swallowing
• There’s a foul taste in your mouth or pus
• You have a fever and feel unwell
• You just feel like something isn’t right

Our London clinics are open day and night, and we offer same-day treatment, often starting your procedure on the first visit.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Swelling

Facial swelling from a toothache isn’t something to wait out. It’s your body’s way of asking for help. Whether it’s a deep infection, an abscess, or a wisdom tooth acting up, the safest and quickest way to get better is to see an emergency dentist.

At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, we’re here when you need us – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With in-house scans, experienced specialists, and walk-in appointments, we’ll make sure your swelling goes down – and your smile comes back.