What causes soreness and swelling in the jaw area?

　　The term "cheek area" generally refers to the parotid gland and masseter muscle region. Soreness and distension in this area may be caused by dietary factors, improper sleeping posture, temporomandibular joint disorders, pericoronitis of wisdom teeth, lymphadenitis, and other conditions. Appropriate management can be selected based on specific circumstances. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Dietary factors: Prolonged chewing of hard objects, such as gum or nuts, or excessive chewing can keep the masticatory muscles in a tense state, leading to soreness and distension in the parotid and masseter muscle area. It is recommended to rest adequately and stop eating promptly.

　　2. Improper sleeping posture: Long-term compression of one side of the face during sleep can exert continuous pressure on the parotid gland and masseter muscle, affecting local blood circulation and causing blood stasis, which leads to soreness and discomfort. It is recommended to maintain a supine sleeping position as much as possible to avoid facial compression. If side sleeping is preferred, choosing a pillow with appropriate height and firmness is advised.

　　3. Temporomandibular joint disorder syndrome: Malocclusion, mental stress, and other factors may cause this condition, resulting in joint dysfunction. The parotid and masseter muscle area may feel sore or painful, often accompanied by limited mouth opening and joint clicking sounds. It is recommended to maintain good posture, use a pillow of appropriate height while sleeping, and avoid excessive mouth opening or laughing to prevent joint injuries.

　　4. Pericoronitis of wisdom teeth: This condition may be caused by incomplete eruption or impaction of wisdom teeth, with inflammation spreading to surrounding tissues, causing soreness and pain in the parotid and masseter muscle area, along with symptoms such as swollen and red gums and limited mouth opening. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as amoxicillin capsules, metronidazole tablets, or tinidazole tablets to control the inflammation.

　　5. Lymphadenitis: This condition is usually caused by infection, leading to swelling and inflammation of lymph nodes in the neck and parotid-masseter region, causing soreness and pain. It is recommended to use medications such as roxithromycin tablets, cefixime dispersible tablets, or cephalexin dry suspension under a doctor's guidance to improve symptoms.

　　If experiencing any physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and proceed with treatment according to individual circumstances.