Braces and blocked salivary gland :(

[cariadqueen]

Hi All

I have recently been fitted with orthodontic braces and a TPA at the ripe old age of 34! It really has taken some getting used too and as expected i have had some little nicks and cuts to my cheeks which have healed but ofcourse there looks to be some scarring left.
Over the last few weeks i have noticed some swelling in my left cheek, it seems to come and go to some varying degree athough it always feels as though there is a little swelling at all times and it is tender too.

I went for my regular dental checkup yesterday and i mentioned this to my dentist and she had a feel and said that she could feel i have a swollen cheek and she 'thinks' it could be a blocked salivary gland.

Ofcourse i have been googling and some of what i have some across is not very pleasant as in it could be a tumor etc. She said she is referring me to the hospital to have it dealt with.

My question is could having this brace contribute to a blocked salivary gland and is there anything that i could do to help try to unblock it.

Many thanks in advance

 

[rob wain]

Hi
the most common cause of (parotid) saliva gland blockage is accidentally biting onthe opening duct which is opposite the first upper molar. A brace could have made this worse.
If it is a saliva gland blockage it will tend to quite clearly swell at meal times.
Tumours are rare so try not to worry.
I'm sure the hospital will help you out quickly.

 

[cariadqueen]

Thanks so much Rob you have put my mind at rest a little, I have certainly noticed it swelling a little more around meal times!

I have been referred to IMOS for someone to take a look at it so hopefully it wont be to long until i can get it sorted out.

Once again many thanks