I Have Pain in My Face or Cheek That Won't Go Away
Persistent facial pain can be hard to live with. Here is a look at possible causes.
Facial pain that does not go away has many possible sources β most not related to cancer.
- Common causes include:
- TMJ disorder (jaw joint) β pain in the jaw joint or chewing muscles, very common
- Sinus infection β pain in the cheek or upper teeth from sinus congestion
- Dental infection β a tooth abscess can cause persistent facial pain
- Trigeminal neuralgia β severe, electric-shock like pain from a nerve condition
- Cluster headaches β severe pain on one side of the face
- Tension headaches β can cause facial and jaw tension
- Salivary gland infection β can cause pain in the cheek area
- Temporal arteritis β inflammation of the blood vessels in the temple area
Cancer-related facial pain is less common and usually comes with other symptoms.
What to Look For
- Usually not serious:
- Pain that is worse when chewing or opening your mouth (TMJ)
- Pain with sinus congestion or sinus pressure
- Pain related to a specific tooth
- Comes and goes
- Responds to pain relievers or anti-inflammatories
- Worth having checked:
- Persistent, unexplained facial pain on one side
- Pain accompanied by numbness or tingling
- Swelling in the cheek or face
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- A lump that you can feel
- Numbness in the upper teeth or palate
When to See a Doctor
- See a doctor or dentist if:
- Facial pain lasts more than 3β4 weeks with no explanation
- You have numbness in your face, cheek, or teeth
- You have a visible swelling or lump
- You have difficulty opening your mouth
- The pain is getting worse over time