After Using Retainers Had Pain. Face And Neck Was Swollen But Do Not Feel Any Lumps. Cause?
Question: hello!
I've tried to put on my retainers yesterday night before i sleep and it was hurting a lot as I'v not put it on for months. But I just wear them on for a night and this morning, I've noticed that the bottom right side of my face was slightly swollen and on my right neck too. The swelling is not very obvious unless really really close observation. I've tried to feel the right side of my neck and I am pretty sure that I did not feel for any lumps. Just felt slightly sore. May I know whats the cause of it? Thanks!
I've tried to put on my retainers yesterday night before i sleep and it was hurting a lot as I'v not put it on for months. But I just wear them on for a night and this morning, I've noticed that the bottom right side of my face was slightly swollen and on my right neck too. The swelling is not very obvious unless really really close observation. I've tried to feel the right side of my neck and I am pretty sure that I did not feel for any lumps. Just felt slightly sore. May I know whats the cause of it? Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Lymph node inflammation
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX
Thanks for your query. Given the location and the description of the symptoms, as well as the recent reintroduction of the retainer, the most likely explanation would be that of inflammation of lymph nodes from that side of the face/neck, probably related to irritation/pain with the retainer; whenever there is inflammation in the mouth, gums, tongue, throat, etc, inflammatory substances increase activity of cells in the lymph nodes, causing enlargement and sometimes even pain. An analgesic/antiinflammatory such as ibuprofen should provide relief.
Yours truly,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
Lymph node inflammation
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX
Thanks for your query. Given the location and the description of the symptoms, as well as the recent reintroduction of the retainer, the most likely explanation would be that of inflammation of lymph nodes from that side of the face/neck, probably related to irritation/pain with the retainer; whenever there is inflammation in the mouth, gums, tongue, throat, etc, inflammatory substances increase activity of cells in the lymph nodes, causing enlargement and sometimes even pain. An analgesic/antiinflammatory such as ibuprofen should provide relief.
Yours truly,
Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Mayo Clinic MN
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar