A swollen jaw, especially on one side, indicates an enlargement or inflammation around the jawbone. This symptom can arise from various underlying issues, from minor conditions to more significant health concerns. While often benign, persistent swelling or accompanying pain warrants professional attention for proper evaluation.
Issues Within the Mouth and Jaw
Problems originating directly within the mouth and jaw structures frequently cause localized swelling. A dental abscess, resulting from severe tooth decay or gum disease, can lead to an infection spreading into surrounding jaw tissues. This infection may cause significant swelling, often accompanied by throbbing pain, sensitivity to temperature, and sometimes the presence of pus.
Impacted wisdom teeth, particularly if infected, are a common source of swelling. When a wisdom tooth cannot fully emerge, a condition known as pericoronitis can develop, causing inflammation of the gum tissue around the partially erupted tooth. This results in swelling, pain, and difficulty opening the mouth.
A bacterial infection of the jawbone itself, termed osteomyelitis, can also occur, often following a dental infection or injury. This condition presents with jaw swelling, persistent pain, and may also include fever.
Problems with Glands and Lymph Nodes
Swelling on one side of the jaw can stem from issues with glands and lymph nodes located in that region. Salivary gland conditions, such as sialadenitis, involve inflammation or infection of a salivary gland (e.g., parotid or submandibular). This can lead to noticeable swelling, particularly when eating, as food stimulates saliva production. Salivary gland stones, known as sialolithiasis, can block the ducts that carry saliva, causing a backup that results in swelling and discomfort.
Lymph nodes situated in the neck and under the jaw can become enlarged, a condition called lymphadenopathy. This occurs in response to infections, such as viral illnesses like mononucleosis or bacterial infections affecting the head and neck. Swollen lymph nodes often feel tender and are movable when touched.
Other Reasons for Swelling
Beyond dental and glandular issues, other factors can contribute to one-sided jaw swelling. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders involve inflammation or dysfunction of the joint connecting the jawbone to the skull. This can manifest as swelling, pain, and sometimes clicking or popping sounds during jaw movement, often linked to teeth grinding, stress, or injury. Direct trauma or injury to the jaw, such as a blow, a fracture, or muscle strain, can immediately lead to localized swelling and bruising.
Cysts and tumors, though less common, can also cause jaw swelling. Benign (non-cancerous) cysts or tumors, such as odontogenic cysts, may grow slowly and result in a noticeable enlargement. Malignant (cancerous) growths can also appear as jaw swelling, and these are important to identify. Severe allergic reactions, triggered by food, medication, or insect bites, can cause rapid, localized swelling, known as angioedema, in the face and jaw area.
When to Consult a Doctor
It is important to seek professional medical attention if you experience certain symptoms alongside jaw swelling. Immediate evaluation is warranted for severe pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or the presence of fever and chills. Rapid onset of swelling, or swelling that feels hot to the touch or discharges pus, also requires prompt medical assessment.
If the swelling does not improve, worsens over time, or is accompanied by numbness in the jaw or face, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Any hard, fixed lump in the jaw area should be evaluated by a doctor or dentist. Seeking professional guidance ensures a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.