The cheek area is a complex part of the facial anatomy where soreness can originate from many different tissues, including muscles, skin, bone structure, or nerves. Discomfort may also be a referred symptom from an issue located nearby, such as the jaw joint or an infected tooth. The causes of cheek soreness are varied, ranging from simple overuse to more serious inflammatory or infectious processes.
Causes Related to Jaw Movement and Muscle Tension
Musculoskeletal issues frequently cause chronic cheek soreness, often involving the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Dysfunction in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), known as TMD, can cause pain that radiates into the cheek muscles. Misalignment or inflammation in the TMJ strains the masseter muscle, which runs along the side of the jaw, resulting in a dull, persistent ache.
The habit of grinding or clenching the teeth places excessive tension on the jaw-moving muscles, particularly the masseter and buccinator. This overuse causes the muscles to become tight and inflamed, leading to soreness that may be worse upon waking in the morning. Localized tight and sensitive areas within the masseter muscle, known as myofascial trigger points, can develop and refer pain to the cheeks, temples, and ears. Simple habits like excessive gum chewing or chronic stress-related jaw clenching can similarly overwork these muscles, producing a painful tightness felt directly in the cheek.
Pain Originating from the Inside of the Mouth
Pain felt in the cheek often traces back to problems within the oral cavity. Accidental biting of the inner cheek lining is a common source of localized pain and minor swelling. Sharp edges from broken teeth, dental fillings, or ill-fitting orthodontic hardware can also cause recurrent trauma and irritation to the internal tissues.
Infections related to the teeth and gums are a more serious source of referred cheek soreness. A dental abscess, a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection at the tooth’s root, creates pressure that radiates into the jaw and cheek. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause pericoronitis, a gum infection leading to swelling and pain that extends visibly into the cheek area. These dental infections require prompt treatment because bacteria can spread to surrounding facial tissues.
Soreness Due to Infection and Inflammation
Infectious and inflammatory conditions often manifest as soreness and swelling in the cheek region. Acute sinusitis frequently causes pain in the upper cheeks because the maxillary sinuses are located directly behind the cheekbones. The buildup of fluid and pressure creates a deep ache or tenderness in this area, often accompanied by nasal congestion.
Infections of the salivary glands can cause marked swelling and soreness. The parotid glands, the largest salivary glands, are situated inside each cheek near the ear and jaw. Viral causes, such as mumps, or bacterial infections can cause these glands to swell significantly, resulting in a painful bulge in the cheek or jaw area.
A rapid onset of cheek soreness, swelling, and warmth can indicate cellulitis, a serious bacterial infection of the deep skin layers and underlying soft tissue. This infection often appears as a red, tender patch that expands quickly and can be caused by bacteria entering the skin through a small cut or abrasion. Since cellulitis and spreading dental infections can progress rapidly and lead to severe complications, they are considered medical emergencies that require immediate antibiotic treatment.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention
While many causes of cheek soreness resolve on their own with at-home care, certain symptoms require professional medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if the soreness persists for more than seven to ten days without noticeable improvement.
Immediate medical attention is needed if the cheek pain is accompanied by signs of a spreading infection or systemic illness. These warning signs include:
- A fever or chills.
- Rapid and severe swelling, or skin that is red and warm to the touch.
- Difficulty with breathing or swallowing, or an inability to fully open the mouth.
- Pus drainage, especially from the gums or a visibly swollen area.