Swelling in the back of your jaw can be a concerning symptom, often indicating an underlying issue. Understanding the possible reasons behind jaw swelling can help determine when to seek professional medical advice.
Dental and Oral Health Issues
Dental and oral health problems are a frequent cause of jaw swelling. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to inflammation and infection, known as pericoronitis. This happens when bacteria and food debris get trapped under the gum flap covering the tooth, causing pain, redness, and localized swelling, sometimes with difficulty opening the mouth or a foul taste.
Bacterial infections within a tooth, forming an abscess, are another common source of significant jaw swelling. An abscess develops when bacteria enter the tooth’s pulp, creating a pus-filled pocket. This can result in intense, throbbing pain that may radiate to the jaw or ear, along with visible swelling and redness of the gums. Severe gum infections, like periodontitis, can also extend into the jawbone, causing swelling and discomfort.
Glandular and Lymph Node Swelling
Swelling in the jaw can also arise from problems with glands and the lymphatic system. Salivary gland infections commonly affect the parotid glands near the ears and jaw, or the submandibular glands under the chin. These infections, caused by bacteria or viruses, lead to painful swelling, tenderness, and sometimes fever, chills, or pus discharge.
Salivary stones can also cause jaw swelling by blocking the ducts that drain saliva from the glands. This blockage leads to saliva backup, resulting in swelling and pain, especially noticeable during or after eating. Most salivary gland stones form in the submandibular gland and can predispose to infection.
Lymph nodes, small filter-like structures in the neck and jaw area, often swell in response to infections elsewhere in the body. Conditions like the common cold, strep throat, tonsillitis, or ear infections can cause these nodes to enlarge as they filter out pathogens. These swollen lymph nodes are often tender and movable. Mumps, a viral infection, classically causes painful swelling of the parotid glands, giving the appearance of “chipmunk cheeks” and a tender, swollen jaw.
Other Possible Reasons for Swelling
Other factors can contribute to jaw swelling, though they may be less common. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, affecting the hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull, can cause pain, clicking sounds, and sometimes localized swelling around the joint. This swelling can be exacerbated by jaw movements like chewing.
Direct impact or injury to the jaw, such as from a fall or a blow to the face, can also result in immediate swelling, bruising, and pain. In more severe cases, a broken or dislocated jaw might make it difficult to open or close the mouth.
Cysts or tumors, either benign or malignant, can also cause jaw swelling. These growths can vary in size and severity, sometimes causing pain, jaw expansion, or displacement of teeth.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
While some minor causes of jaw swelling may resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. If the swelling is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapid or severe enlargement, or a high fever, immediate medical attention is necessary. These could indicate a serious infection or allergic reaction.
Persistent swelling that does not improve within a few days, or swelling that worsens over time, also suggests the need for professional assessment. If the cause of the jaw swelling is unclear, or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like significant pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication, or signs of spreading infection like redness or streaks, consulting a healthcare provider is advised. Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of jaw swelling and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.