MOUTH LESIONS: SWELLING
Swelling in your mouth can have several causes. These commonly range from infection, trauma and blocked salivary glands to normal bone growth. Less commonly, mouth swellings may be due to cysts or tumors.
1. What causes Mouth Swellings?
Swellings in your mouth may be due to the follow:
Tooth or gum infections
Trauma from bite problems or an ill fitting denture
Blocked salivary glands
Cysts
Tumors
Normal Anatomy of your mouth (i.e., bony growths called “tori” that can develop over time near the base of your teeth)
2. Who is at high risk for Mouth Swellings?
People with untreated bite problems, heavily restored teeth, badly broken down teeth or advanced gum disease are at higher risk for dental infections and are therefore more likely to experience mouth swellings. People with compromised immune systems are also at higher risk for developing mouth infections and therefore swelling.
People with an ill fitting denture may develop swelling where the denture rubs. People with untreated bite problems may also traumatize their cheeks and tongue resulting in swelling.
Less commonly, diseases such as Sjogren’s Syndrome or mumps may lead to swelling in the mouth.
3. What is my role in dealing with Mouth Swellings?
Pay attention to the size, shape, color, consistency, location, appearance and duration of the swelling. If the swelling lasts longer than one week, rows in size, becomes painful or recurs over time you must have the area examined by your dentist.
4. What can happen if I do nothing about the Mouth Swellings?
Ignoring swelling in your mouth can be dangerous. If the swelling is due to an infection it can cause serious damage to your body and may ultimately be life threatening. In the rare event that it is cancer, it can lead to disfigurement or death. Both of these types of swellings must be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.