Should I be Worried About My Child’s Swollen Face?

This isn’t your first rodeo. You’ve dealt with your kid’s swollen ankles and knees, but a swollen face? That’s new. You first suspect the culprit that makes the most sense: allergies. Maybe the problem is with their sinuses. But antihistamines and Mucinex don’t seem to help. What else could it be?

Believe it or not, facial swelling could indicate a dental emergency. To learn more and find out what you should do, keep reading.

How Are Facial Swelling and Dental Problems Connected?

Inflammation and swelling typically occurs when a part of the body is irritated or fighting infection. If allergic reactions are ruled out, it’s possible your child has an oral infection, such as gingivitis. While this scary-sounding possibility is urgent and should be addressed as soon as possible, it’s actually fairly common in children. Your pediatric emergency dentist will make sure your child is as comfortable as possible before treatment.

Another possibility is that your child has sustained a facial injury. You might think that this would be visibly obvious, but young children especially can be oddly resilient. If possible, ask your child if they bumped into anything or tried to bite down on something they shouldn’t have. Then thoroughly check their mouth, looking for dental chips or debris. Even if you don’t find anything amiss, you should still contact your pediatric emergency dentist.

Why Should I Go to My Pediatric Dentist Instead of the ER?

Yep, that wasn’t a typo. Unless your child is experiencing anaphylaxis due to an allergic reaction, you probably want to call your pediatric emergency dentist for two reasons:

1.  They can assess your child’s symptoms over the phone and help you make next-step arrangements.
2. They are better equipped to handle dental emergencies than the average ER.

Basically, contacting your pediatric emergency dentist first will save you time. You’ll skip the ER waiting room, as well as a second trip, because ERs usually refer dental problems to local dentists. 

Even if you’re not sure whether your child’s facial swelling warrants concern, go ahead and call your pediatric emergency dentist. They’ll see your little one as soon as possible, and thoroughly examine their mouth for a prompt diagnosis. When it comes to your kid’s health, it’s always better to be 100% sure than 50% sure.

About the Practice

Drs. Ryan and Leigh Weldon are proud to serve Rome and its surrounding communities through Weldon Dental. Dr. Leigh is a board-certified pediatric dentist with a license in enteral and inhalation-conscious sedation. With her expertise and warm, caring nature, your child will feel as comfortable as possible during their treatment. If you’re worried about your little one’s oral health or fear there might be a dental emergency, call 706-232-2082. Dr. Leigh will see your child as soon as possible and make sure their needs are taken care of.