Asymmetrical facial swelling

Pain around a tooth, pain when biting, a bad taste or gum swelling points toward a dental source. Cellulitis can present with a tender, hot and increasingly red patch. Sinusitis may cause cheek pressure with nasal blockage or discharge. A blocked salivary gland can produce swelling near the jaw that becomes more noticeable around meals.

Angioedema often presents as sudden deeper swelling around the eyelids, lips or tongue and may follow a food, medicine or insect sting, although no trigger is always found. General fluid retention, including that associated with chronic kidney disease, more often affects both sides and may also cause swelling in the legs or around both eyes.

Remove jewellery or tight items near the swollen area and avoid pressing, puncturing or squeezing it. Note when it began, whether it is expanding, and any new food, medicine, dental problem, injury, bite or cosmetic treatment. A cool compress may ease mild swelling after a minor injury. Arrange prompt medical or dental assessment for unexplained swelling, pain, fever, redness, discharge or recurrence; treatment depends on the cause.

Call emergency services immediately if swelling involves the lips, tongue, mouth or throat, or comes with breathing difficulty, wheezing, throat tightness, trouble swallowing, faintness or confusion. Anaphylaxis can present with rapid swelling and requires emergency treatment. Seek urgent assessment when swelling spreads toward an eye or neck, the eye becomes painful or vision changes, the mouth cannot open properly, severe pain develops, or fever accompanies worsening redness.

Ask whether the pattern suggests a tooth, salivary gland, sinus, skin or allergic cause and whether an examination or scan is needed. Bring a current medicine list and photos showing how the swelling changed. Mention itch, hives, dental symptoms, altered vision, fever, reduced urination and swelling elsewhere.