Why Do My Cheeks Feel Sore?

The cheeks are located on both sides of the face, and generally, this area is not prone to problems. However, some people may experience cheek acidity, which can feel very uncomfortable during speaking or eating. There are various reasons for the acidity of the cheeks, commonly including heatiness, mumps, lymphadenitis, and excessive fatigue. If the condition persists without improvement, it is recommended to seek professional medical examination and treatment.

1. Heatiness

Heatiness is a common factor that can lead to acidity and discomfort in the cheeks, especially when there is inflammation of the stomach due to heatiness. This can be caused by eating spicy or hot foods, drinking insufficient water, or experiencing excessive mental stress. These factors can lead to stomach heatiness, resulting in symptoms such as cheek acidity, bad breath, and red tongue. To manage heatiness, it is recommended to drink plenty of water, eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, maintain a balanced lifestyle with rest and exercise, avoid sugary and acidic drinks, reduce spicy and fried foods, limit smoking and alcohol consumption, and maintain a positive and optimistic attitude.

2. Mumps

The parotid glands, located near the ears on both sides of the face, are the largest glands in the salivary glands. When the parotid glands are infected with bacteria or blocked, symptoms such as cheek swelling, pain, acidity, and fever may occur. The most common type of mumps is viral infection, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to complications such as viral orchitis. Treatment for mumps involves addressing the underlying cause, correcting water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance, using effective antibiotics, and adjusting antibiotics based on bacterial culture and sensitivity testing.

3. Lymphadenitis

Inflammation of the local lymph nodes in the parotid glands can also lead to cheek acidity. The main factor causing lymphadenitis is the invasion of bacteria into the body. Children, who have weaker immune systems, are more susceptible to lymphadenitis and swelling. Treatment involves addressing the primary infection, using antibiotics, resting, and draining abscesses if they form.

4. Excessive Fatigue

Frequent consumption of hard-to-chew foods or habits such as grinding teeth during sleep can also cause excessive fatigue in the cheeks, leading to acidity and discomfort. In most cases, cheek acidity due to excessive fatigue can be gradually relieved through adequate rest and does not require special treatment.