Dr. Kundlas
A swollen jaw on one side is most often caused by a tooth infection, an infected or blocked salivary gland, or a swollen lymph node from a cold or sore throat. Swelling under the ear or along the jawline that gets worse when you eat points to a salivary gland. Swelling with trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, drooling, or swelling of the tongue or lips is an emergency, so call 911.
What can cause a swollen jaw
Tooth infection (dental abscess)
An infected tooth can cause swelling of the cheek or jaw on one side, a throbbing toothache, pain when biting, a bad taste, and sometimes fever. A wisdom tooth that is partly through the gum can also get infected (pericoronitis). An abscess needs a dentist. Rinses and pain relievers can ease pain, but they do not drain the infection, and dental infections can spread into the neck.
Salivary gland infection (parotitis or sialadenitis)
The largest salivary gland, the parotid, sits in front of and just below the ear. When it gets infected, the area under the ear swells, feels tender and warm, and may hurt more when you eat. Pus can sometimes drain into the mouth. It is more common in older adults, people who are not drinking enough, after surgery, and in people taking medicines that cause a dry mouth.
Salivary stone
A small stone can block a salivary duct, most often in the gland under the jaw (the submandibular gland). The classic sign is swelling under the jaw that gets bigger and sore during meals, then slowly goes down over an hour or two. Some stones pass on their own. Others need to be removed.
Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes under the jaw and along the neck swell with colds, sore throats, ear infections and dental infections. They are usually tender and shrink as the infection clears. Any lump or swelling that does not go away in 2 weeks, or one that is hard, painless or fixed in place, should be checked by a doctor.
Mumps
Mumps is a virus that swells the parotid glands, on one or both sides, often with fever, headache and tiredness. Most adults are protected by vaccination, but outbreaks still happen. Anyone with sudden swelling of the glands in front of the ears and fever should call ahead before coming in, so the office can prevent spread.
Allergic swelling (angioedema)
Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, face or jaw area can be angioedema. One common cause in adults is a type of blood pressure medicine called an ACE inhibitor (for example lisinopril), even after years of taking it without problems. This swelling can block the airway. If you take one of these medicines and notice swelling, get help right away and do not take another dose until you talk with a doctor.
Other causes
- Injury. A blow to the face can cause swelling and bruising, and sometimes a broken jaw.
- TMJ problems. Jaw joint problems usually cause pain and clicking rather than much swelling.
- Skin infection. A red, warm, painful area on the skin of the jaw can be cellulitis.
- Cysts and tumors. A slow growing, painless lump in front of the ear or under the jaw is usually benign, but it needs an exam and often imaging.
Swollen jaw on one side under the ear
The first question I ask is whether the swelling gets worse when you eat. Swelling just under or in front of the ear is most often from the parotid gland (infection, a stone, or mumps), a swollen lymph node, or a dental infection from a back tooth. Swelling that gets worse with meals points to the salivary gland. Swelling with tooth pain points to the tooth. A tender lump that appeared with a cold is often a lymph node.
Home care for mild jaw swelling
These steps can ease mild swelling while you arrange to see a doctor or dentist. They do not replace treatment for an infection.
- For an injury, use a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes at a time during the first day or two.
- For a sore salivary gland, use a warm compress and gently massage the gland from back to front.
- Drink plenty of water. Sucking on sugar free sour candy or lemon drops gets saliva flowing and can help push out a small stone or clear a gland.
- Rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) after meals if a tooth or gum is sore.
- Eat soft foods and rest your jaw.
- Over the counter pain relief can help. For adults over 50, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually the first choice; follow the dosing on the label. Avoid ibuprofen or naproxen, or ask your doctor first, if you have kidney disease, heart disease, stomach ulcers, or take a blood thinner.
- Keep up with brushing and flossing, gently.
When to see a doctor or dentist
Make an appointment if:
- Swelling lasts more than a few days, or keeps coming back with meals
- You have tooth pain, a bad taste, or pus in the mouth (see a dentist soon)
- You have a fever with the swelling
- A lump in the neck or jaw is hard, painless, or still there after two to three weeks
- Swelling started after a new medicine
- You cannot fully open your mouth or your bite feels off after an injury
CALL 911 OR GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IF:
- You have trouble breathing, noisy breathing, or cannot catch your breath
- You have trouble swallowing, cannot swallow your saliva, or are drooling
- Your tongue, lips, throat or the floor of your mouth swell, or your tongue is pushed up
- Swelling spreads quickly down your neck or toward your eye
- You have high fever, chills and look or feel very sick
- Your voice suddenly sounds muffled or changes
- You cannot open your mouth, or you have a jaw injury with your teeth not lining up
Frequently asked questions
Why is my jaw swollen on one side under my ear?
The most common causes are an infected or blocked parotid salivary gland, a swollen lymph node, or a dental infection from a back tooth. Swelling that gets worse when you eat points toward a salivary gland.
Is a swollen jaw an emergency?
Most swollen jaws are not, but some are. Trouble breathing or swallowing, drooling, swelling of the tongue or lips, or swelling that spreads down the neck needs 911 or the emergency room.
What can I do at home for a jaw swollen on one side?
Use a cold pack after an injury, a warm compress for a sore salivary gland, drink plenty of water, try sour sugar free candy, and rinse with warm salt water. Home care does not treat a tooth infection, so see a dentist if you have tooth pain.
Can a tooth infection make my jaw swell?
Yes. A dental abscess is one of the most common causes of one sided jaw swelling. It needs a dentist, and sometimes antibiotics.
Can adults get mumps?
Yes, although most adults are protected by vaccination. Mumps causes swelling in front of the ears with fever. Call your doctor’s office before going in if you think you have it.
How long does a swollen lymph node under the jaw last?
A lymph node that swells with a cold or sore throat usually goes down in two to four weeks. One that is hard, painless or lasts longer should be checked.
Getting checked in Sebring or Lake Wales
We can examine your jaw, mouth and neck, look for infection, and decide whether you need antibiotics, imaging, a dentist or an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Shield Medical Group has two offices:
- Sebring: 4597 Casablanca Cir, Sebring FL 33870. Phone (863) 236-9550. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Lake Wales: 23607 US Highway 27 N, Lake Wales FL 33859. Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can book an appointment, and walk-ins are welcome for new and established patients. We accept many Medicare Advantage plans, so call to ask about yours.
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an exam by your own doctor or dentist. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.
