Cheek bone pain occurs when nerves in the face's soft tissues or bones send pain signals to the brain. Common causes include dental issues, sinus infections, or injury.
The trigeminal nerve, the face's primary sensory nerve, has three branches. The maxillary branch covers the middle face, including the cheekbones. When this nerve or nearby structures are irritated, you feel pain in your cheekbone.
Cheek bone pain stems from several sources. The most common include:
Most cheek bone pain resolves with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers. See a doctor if:
Doctors diagnose the cause through physical exams, dental X-rays, or CT scans. Treatment depends on the underlying issue but may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or dental work.
Many people assume cheek bone pain always stems from dental issues. However, sinus infections account for roughly 20% of cases. Others mistake TMJ-related pain for muscle soreness from chewing gum or clenching teeth.
I once experienced persistent cheek bone pain that worsened when I lay down. A visit to the ENT revealed a severe sinus infection requiring antibiotics. The pain resolved completely within a week of treatment.
While not all cheek bone pain is preventable, these steps reduce risk: