How to Treat Cheek Swelling

Swelling can occur in any part of the body, including the cheeks. Cheek swelling can occur for many reasons, including fluid buildup in facial tissues, infection, injury, cellulitis, cysts, sinusitis, allergies, medication side effects and dental problems. When your cheek swells for unknown reasons, it's best to let a doctor diagnose the underlying condition, but you can take steps at home to reduce the swelling while you wait for your doctor appointment.

Things You'll Need

• 4-inch wood blocks
• Pillows
• Ice packs
• Antihistamines
• Anti-inflammatory medicine

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Instructions

• 1

  Raise the head of your bed with 4-inch wood blocks or raise your head with extra pillows when you sleep at night to help drain fluid from your facial area.

• 2

  Apply an ice pack to your swollen cheek for 20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling. Ice removes heat from tissues in the infected area by tightening the tissue around the blood vessels. Don't leave ice on your cheek for too long, as lengthy exposure may damage your skin.

• 3

  Drink a lot of water to help flush salt out of your system, decreasing the amount of fluid in your blood vessels. If your doctor determines your cheek swelling is caused by excess sodium, you may receive a prescription for a diuretic that will reduce salt in your system and lower fluid amounts.

• 4

  Take over-the-counter antihistamines to help reduce swelling in your cheek that may be caused by sinusitis or allergies. Massaging the cheek using firm pressure may also help reduce pain and swelling.

• 5

  Take a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine can be bought in pill, cream or gel form.