Can dental work cause swollen lips?
My child, who has no known allergies and has previously responded well to dental procedures, recently had a tooth extraction. I noticed some swelling in their lips, which seemed to increase a few hours after the procedure. Given their history and this unexpected reaction, could you explain what is likely to cause lip swelling following dental work in children, such as tooth extractions or fillings?
Swelling of the lips in children after dental procedures can be a consequence of the child inadvertently biting their lips, a phenomenon that often occurs due to the administration of local anesthesia. This anesthesia is used to numb the area receiving treatment, which includes the lips, cheeks, and tongue, and its effects can persist for a few hours post-procedure. Given the loss of sensation in these areas, children might accidentally bite them, leading to swelling.
To prevent this, it is vital for caregivers to monitor the child after dental treatment closely and continually remind them not to suck, bite, or chew on their numbed lips, cheeks, or tongue. If the swelling does occur, interventions such as applying cold compresses, encouraging the consumption of cold liquids, or offering frozen treats like popsicles can provide symptomatic relief.
However, it is essential to note that a dentist should evaluate any swelling following a dental procedure to rule out other potential causes and ensure appropriate management. Thus, in such cases, caregivers should promptly contact the dental office.
In conclusion, while swelling of the lips can occur after dental procedures in children, it is generally preventable and manageable with attentive post-procedure care and communication with dental professionals. It is always recommended to seek medical advice in case of any concerns about post-procedural complications.
Local Anesthetic Reaction: Dental procedures like tooth extractions typically involve using a local anesthetic. Although rare, some patients can experience reactions to the anesthetic, which could lead to swelling. The reaction is suspected to be linked to exposure to components present in the anesthetic, such as preservatives, anesthetic drugs, or antioxidants.
Allergic Response: Despite your child having no known allergies, it’s possible to develop an allergic reaction to substances encountered during or after the procedure. This could potentially cause Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), a condition that can cause the lips to become sensitive and swell. It’s hypothesized that this reaction might be linked to how our immune system interacts with the cells that repair the gums and tissue near the lips
Normal Postoperative Swelling: After a surgical procedure like a tooth extraction, it’s common for tissues to swell. This is a normal part of the body’s response to surgery. The degree of swelling varies among individuals and depends on the nature of the procedure.
Dr Soha Sharif is a Kids' Dentist in Brisbane.
Dr Soha is a dentist for toddlers in Brisbane that provides sleep dentistry for children under general anaesthetics or in dental chair using laughing gas for children in Brisbane. Book online https://www.kids-dentist.com.au/ or phone our kids’ dental clinic in Brisbane on phone number 07 3343 4869
