help! my 18 month old....?

She sounds like she is teething.

When my daughter was teething she would have red, tender cheeks that would be hot to the touch.

If she is playing around when you ask her, then she isn't in pain.

It sounds like you may be in the US, which means that the medicine you would give her is different. In the UK, you'd give her Paracetamol. You need to give her a medicine that will reduce the temperature. Ask your pharmacist for something for teething. If you are worried see your doctor or child professional (paediatrician or health visitor depending on the country) for advice.

I would probably at least call the doctor. Usually, swelling can be a sign of an infection. Motrin would be better for the swelling than tylenol, but won't help any possible infection. It is possibly nothing, especially if she doesn't seem to be in pain, but you will feel better if you get some professional advice. Does your pediatrician have a nurse's hot-line? Good luck and I hope you figure it out so that you both feel better!

could be cutting her back teeth - my son used to get hot cheeks and he used to look like a little hamster - just keep up with the pain relief but if you are worried get her checked out :0)

Call an emergency dentist for advice, they will be able to give you an idea if what the problem is and refer you to someone who can help. Or just call the emergency doctor.

it definitely sounds like her molars are coming in, that's exactly what my daughter had when her molars were coming in, your just lucky she's not cranky and crying because my daughter was so fussy and cranky, it was quite unbearable but I would just give her motrin and ottor pops to try and help soothe her because I knew my poor baby was in pain. This lasted 2 weeks:( goodluck!

IF THE SWOLLEN DOES NOT GO DOWN WITHIN 24 HOURS VISIT HER PED. DOC.