A swollen jaw can be an unsettling symptom, often indicating an underlying health issue that requires attention. This swelling, particularly on one side, can range from a minor concern to a sign of a more serious condition. Understanding the common reasons for left jaw swelling and knowing when to seek professional help is important for effective management and recovery.
Common Causes of Left Jaw Swelling
Swelling in the left jaw can stem from various sources, including dental problems, issues with salivary glands, infections, injuries, and even certain systemic conditions. Each category presents with specific mechanisms leading to the noticeable enlargement.
Dental Problems
Dental problems often contribute to jaw swelling. A tooth abscess, for instance, involves a bacterial infection that forms a pus-filled pocket, causing pain and swelling. An impacted wisdom tooth, particularly if partially erupted, can cause inflammation and infection (pericoronitis), resulting in significant swelling. Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, can also lead to inflammation and infection, causing a swollen jaw.
Salivary Gland Issues
Salivary gland issues are another common cause of jaw swelling. Sialadenitis, an infection of a salivary gland (often the parotid gland), can cause painful swelling. Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis) can block saliva ducts, causing the gland to swell and become painful, especially during eating. Viral infections like mumps target the salivary glands, leading to characteristic swelling.
Infections Unrelated to Teeth or Salivary Glands
Infections unrelated to teeth or salivary glands can cause jaw swelling. Lymph nodes along the jawline can swell in response to infections elsewhere in the body, such as strep throat, tonsillitis, or mononucleosis. Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can cause rapid redness, warmth, tenderness, and swelling. Ludwig’s angina, a rare but serious bacterial infection of the mouth’s floor, can cause rapid, significant swelling of the tongue, jaw, and neck.
Physical Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma or injury to the jaw directly causes swelling. A direct impact from a fall, sports injury, or accident can cause inflammation, bruising, or a jaw fracture. Swelling often accompanies severe pain and difficulty moving the jaw. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting the joint connecting the jaw to the skull, can also cause swelling from inflammation, misalignment, or teeth grinding (bruxism).
Less Common But Serious Conditions
Less common but serious conditions can cause jaw swelling. Benign or malignant cysts or tumors can develop in the jawbone, salivary glands, or surrounding soft tissues, causing localized swelling. Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or lupus can cause inflammation and enlargement of salivary glands or other tissues, leading to swelling.
Accompanying Symptoms and Their Significance
When jaw swelling occurs, other symptoms often appear alongside it, providing important clues about the underlying cause. The nature and location of these additional signs can help differentiate between various conditions affecting the jaw.
Pain
Pain commonly accompanies jaw swelling, ranging from mild to severe. Localized pain, especially when chewing or moving the jaw, often indicates dental issues (abscess, impacted tooth) or TMJ problems. Diffuse pain across the jaw and neck can suggest lymph node involvement or a broader infection.
Redness and Warmth
Redness and warmth over the swollen area indicate inflammation or infection (e.g., cellulitis, abscess). A fever and chills accompanying jaw swelling indicate systemic infection. Prompt medical evaluation is warranted to prevent the infection from spreading.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth
Difficulty opening the mouth fully (trismus) often accompanies jaw infections, TMJ disorders, or muscle spasms. Changes in bite or difficulty chewing can indicate dental problems, jaw misalignment, or fracture. The presence of pus drainage or a foul taste strongly indicates bacterial infection (e.g., ruptured abscess, infected salivary gland).
When to Seek Medical Attention
Knowing when to seek medical attention for a swollen jaw is crucial for managing the condition and preventing potential complications. Some situations require immediate emergency care, while others warrant a prompt visit to a doctor or dentist.
Immediate Emergency Care
Immediate emergency care is necessary for severe, unsubsiding pain, rapid swelling, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. These indicate serious infection, allergic reaction, or fracture. A high fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C) along with spreading redness or red streaks signals a life-threatening infection requiring urgent intervention.
Consulting a Doctor or Dentist
Consulting a doctor or dentist within a day or two is advisable for persistent swelling lasting over 24-48 hours. This includes moderate, unimproving pain; swelling after minor injury; or mild symptoms like fatigue or localized tenderness. Any unexplained lump or mass in the jaw area, even if painless, should be evaluated to rule out serious conditions. Self-treatment is not recommended, as it can delay appropriate care for underlying issues.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
When visiting a doctor or dentist for a swollen jaw, the diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Understanding this process can help alleviate anxiety and prepare for the appointment.
Medical History
The healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history, asking about swelling onset, duration, progression, and associated symptoms. They will also ask about recent injuries, dental procedures, medical conditions, and medications. This history helps narrow potential causes.
Physical Examination
A physical examination will be performed, including visual inspection of the jaw, face, and neck for swelling, redness, and asymmetry. The provider will palpate the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes for tenderness, warmth, or masses. An intraoral exam will assess teeth, gums, and oral tissues for dental issues or infection.
Tests
To aid in diagnosis, various tests may be ordered. Dental X-rays can identify dental abscesses, impacted teeth, or fractures. CT scans or MRIs may visualize soft tissues, deeper infections, salivary glands, or tumors. Blood tests may check for infection or inflammation. If a tumor is suspected, a biopsy may be necessary.
Treatment
Treatment approaches depend on the diagnosis. Bacterial infections require antibiotics; anti-inflammatory medications reduce swelling and pain. Dental issues may require tooth extraction or root canal therapy. Surgical drainage of an abscess may be required. The goal is to address the cause, manage symptoms, and prevent future occurrences.