Swollen cheeks may often have the following causes: 1. It may be mumps, which is usually caused by infection with a virus, and may present with sudden redness, swelling, heat and pain in the location of the parotid gland. 2. It may be swollen lymph nodes in the lower jaw, which are commonly caused by upper respiratory tract infections such as acute pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis or acute bronchitis that spread to nearby lymph nodes. Localized lymph node enlargement and pain may also occur. This is when there are granular hard lumps in the jaw when touched and painful when pressed.3. Inflammation of the gums in the mouth, in addition to local cheek swelling, can lead to pain in the teeth or swollen gums.