A swollen jaw appears as a lump or puffiness on or near the jawline, making that area look fuller than normal. Depending on what’s causing it, you may notice stiffness, pain, or tenderness in the jaw, neck, or face.
There are many possible reasons for a swollen jaw — from enlarged glands in the neck or jaw due to a viral illness like the common cold, to more serious conditions such as mumps. Although uncommon, cancer can also lead to jaw swelling.
In some situations, swelling may signal a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that needs immediate medical attention.
Medical Emergency Call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department if you or someone else suddenly develops swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue, along with a rash and difficulty breathing.
Causes of a swollen jaw bone
Below are potential causes of jaw swelling and additional symptoms that can help identify the source.
Swollen glands
Lymph nodes (glands) can enlarge in response to infection or illness. Enlarged nodes are typically near the site of infection.
Swollen neck glands are common with colds. They can also become enlarged from bacterial infections that may require antibiotics.
When infection causes gland swelling, the nodes are often tender and the overlying skin may be red. They usually shrink back to normal once the infection resolves. Glands enlarged by cancer, like non-Hodgkin lymphoma, often feel hard, are fixed in place, and persist for more than four weeks.
Trauma or injury
A fall or direct blow to the face can cause jaw swelling. You’ll probably have associated jaw pain and bruising. A fractured or dislocated jaw — which needs prompt care — can make it difficult to open or close your mouth.
Viral infections
Viruses such as the common cold or mononucleosis can make the neck lymph nodes swell. If a viral infection is behind your swollen jaw, you’ll likely have other signs, including:
- fatigue
- sore throat
- fever
- headache
Bacterial infections
Certain bacterial infections, like strep throat or bacterial tonsillitis, can cause neck lymph nodes to enlarge.
Other indicators of a bacterial infection include:
- fever
- sore throat
- redness or white patches in the throat
- enlarged tonsils
- toothache
- lump or blister on the gum
Tooth abscess
A tooth abscess forms when bacteria invade the tooth pulp and create a pocket of pus.
An abscessed tooth is a serious issue. If not treated, the infection may spread to the jawbone, nearby teeth, and surrounding tissues. See a dentist promptly if you suspect an abscess.
Signs of an abscess include:
- severe, throbbing tooth pain
- pain that radiates to the ear, jaw, and neck
- swelling of the jaw or face
- red, swollen gums
- fever
Tooth extraction
Removal of a tooth may be necessary due to advanced decay, gum disease, or crowding.
It’s normal to have pain and swelling during the first few days after an extraction, and some bruising may occur. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs can assist during recovery.
Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is infection and inflammation of the gum tissue that happens when a wisdom tooth doesn’t fully erupt or only partially emerges.
Mild cases cause painful, swollen gum tissue around the affected tooth and may produce pus. If untreated, the infection can spread to the throat and neck, leading to facial and jaw swelling and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and jaw.
Tonsillitis
Tonsils are lymphatic tissue on each side at the back of the throat. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils caused by viruses or bacteria.
A very sore throat with swollen lymph nodes in the neck and jaw is typical of tonsillitis. Additional symptoms include:
- fever
- enlarged, red tonsils
- hoarseness
- painful swallowing
- earache
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral illness that often starts with fever, muscle aches, and headache. Swelling of the salivary glands commonly causes puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw. The three major pairs of salivary glands lie on each side of the face, just above the jaw.
Other symptoms may include tiredness and loss of appetite. In severe cases, the infection can involve the brain, ovaries, or testicles.
Vaccination can prevent mumps.
Salivary gland problems
Various conditions affect the salivary glands, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and tumors. The most frequent issues arise when ducts become blocked and drainage is impaired.
Salivary gland disorders include:
- salivary stones (sialolithiasis)
- infection of a salivary gland (sialadenitis)
- viral infections such as mumps
- benign and malignant tumors
- Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease
- noninfectious salivary gland enlargement (sialadenosis)
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by infected tick bites.
Early symptoms of Lyme disease often include:
- fever
- headache
- a bull’s-eye rash
- enlarged lymph nodes
If untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a condition marked by persistent fatigue not explained by other causes. It affects up to 2.5 million adults in the U.S.
ME/CFS symptoms may include:
- extreme fatigue
- brain fog
- unexplained muscle or joint pain
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
Syphilis
Syphilis is a serious bacterial infection most often spread through sexual contact. It progresses in stages, typically starting with a sore (chancre) at the infection site.
During the secondary stage, syphilis can cause sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Other symptoms may include a widespread rash, fever, and muscle aches.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. Early signs usually include redness and inflammation around certain joints.
Some people with RA also develop swollen lymph nodes and inflammation of the salivary glands. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which links the lower jaw to the skull, is frequently affected.
Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that produces inflammation and a wide spectrum of symptoms affecting various parts of the body. Symptoms often come and go and vary in intensity. Early signs include swelling of the face, hands, legs, and feet.
Other common manifestations include:
- painful or swollen joints
- mouth sores and ulcers
- enlarged lymph nodes
- a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose
Ludwig’s angina
Ludwig’s angina is an uncommon bacterial infection of the floor of the mouth beneath the tongue. It frequently follows a tooth abscess or another oral infection or injury. The infection leads to swelling of the tongue, jaw, and neck. You may also drool, have difficulty speaking, and develop a fever.
Immediate medical care is essential because the swelling can become severe enough to obstruct the airway.
Some medications
Rarely, certain drugs can cause enlarged lymph nodes. Examples include the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) and some antimalarial medications.
Cancer
Cancers of the mouth and oropharynx can cause jaw swelling. Other cancers can spread to the jawbone or to lymph nodes in the neck and jaw, producing swelling.
Cancer symptoms vary by type, location, size, and stage.
Additional signs of oral and oropharyngeal cancers include:
- a sore in the mouth or on the tongue that won’t heal
- ongoing sore throat or mouth pain
- a lump in the cheek or neck
Symptoms that occur together
Your swollen jaw may be coupled with other signs. Here’s what particular combinations can suggest.
Swelling on one side of the jaw
One-sided jaw swelling can be caused by:
- injury or trauma
- an abscessed tooth
- recent tooth extraction
- pericoronitis
- a benign or malignant salivary gland tumor
Swollen jaw beneath the ear
If swelling is located under the ear, it’s likely swollen lymph nodes and may be caused by:
- a viral infection
- a bacterial infection
- mumps
- an abscessed tooth
- a salivary gland disorder
- rheumatoid arthritis
Toothache with swollen jaw
The most likely causes are:
- an abscessed tooth
- pericoronitis
Swollen jaw without pain
Lymph nodes often enlarge without pain, so a painless swollen jaw could indicate an early bacterial or viral infection, rheumatoid arthritis, or a salivary gland issue.
Swollen cheek and jaw
An abscessed tooth, recent tooth extraction, and pericoronitis commonly cause swelling of the cheek and jaw. Mumps is another possible cause.
How jaw swelling is diagnosed
To identify the cause of jaw swelling, a clinician will take your medical history, including recent injuries or illnesses, and review your symptoms. They may order one or more of the following tests:
- physical examination
- X-rays to assess for fractures or tumors
- blood tests to detect infection
- CT or MRI to evaluate for conditions including cancer
- biopsy if cancer is suspected or other tests are inconclusive
Treatment for a swollen jaw
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Home measures can ease symptoms, while medical interventions may be necessary for fractures, dislocations, or specific conditions.
Home remedies
You can often reduce symptoms of jaw swelling by:
- using an ice pack or cold compress to lessen swelling
- taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
- eating soft foods
- applying a warm compress over infected lymph nodes
Medical treatments
Medical care for conditions that cause jaw swelling may include:
- immobilization, wiring, or bandaging for fractures or dislocations
- antibiotics for bacterial infections
- corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- surgery, such as tonsillectomy
- cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation
When to see a doctor or dentist
Consult a doctor if your jaw swells after an injury, if the swelling lasts more than a few days, or if it comes with infection signs like fever, headache, or fatigue.
Seek emergency care if you:
- cannot eat or open your mouth
- have swelling of the tongue or lips
- are having trouble breathing
- have a head injury
- have a high fever
Takeaway
Jaw swelling from a minor injury or tooth extraction should improve within several days with self-care. If swelling interferes with eating or breathing or occurs with severe symptoms, get immediate medical attention.
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