Why Is My Jaw Swollen
Quick Answer: Why Is My Jaw Swollen?
A swollen jaw is most often caused by a dental abscess (infection), trauma, TMJ disorders, salivary gland blockage, or swollen lymph nodes. One-sided swelling with severe pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing is a dental emergency — call Elite Fix Denture in Chicago immediately at (312) 263-7823.
🦷 Key Dental Terms for Jaw Swelling
Mandibular Soft-Tissue Edema
Swelling of the soft tissues around the lower jaw (mandible), often caused by infection, trauma, or inflammation.
Unilateral Jaw Enlargement
Swelling that appears on one side of the jaw—commonly associated with dental abscesses, salivary stones, or TMJ inflammation.
Submandibular Space Swelling
Puffiness or a lump under the chin or jawline linked to infections involving the submandibular gland, lymph nodes, or deep neck spaces.
Cervical Lymphadenopathy
Enlargement of the lymph nodes beneath the jaw or along the neck, usually triggered by viral or bacterial infections.
Periapical Abscess Formation
A pocket of pus at the root tip of a tooth, leading to rapid jaw swelling, throbbing pain, and sometimes facial asymmetry.
Jawline Inflammatory Response
Localized swelling along the jaw’s contour due to irritation, dental infection, or soft-tissue trauma.
Mandible Bone Tenderness
Pain along the lower jawbone itself, which can indicate deep infection, fracture, or advanced dental disease.
Acute Submandibular Lump
A sudden lump under the jaw that may result from salivary gland blockage, infection, or reactive lymph node enlargement.
TMJ-Associated Myofascial Swelling
Inflammation of the temporomandibular joint or surrounding muscles causing morning puffiness and jawline tightness.
Odontogenic Jaw Swelling
Jaw swelling that originates from a tooth-related infection—responsible for more than 70% of facial swelling cases seen in dentistry.
Common Causes of a Swollen Jaw
Many Chicago patients in Lakeview and Lincoln Park first notice jaw swelling after a weekend of clenching from stress or waking up with sudden pain. Here are the top reasons we see every week:
- Dental Abscess or Tooth Infection – The #1 cause according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Pus builds up around an untreated cavity or cracked tooth, causing rapid swelling under the chin or along the jawline.
- Trauma or Injury – A fall on the ice (very common in Chicago winters), sports injury, or even aggressive chewing can fracture the jaw or damage soft tissue.
- TMJ Disorders (Temporomandibular Joint Issues) – Grinding at night or stress-related clenching inflames the joint, leading to jaw muscle swelling and pain on one side.
- Salivary Gland Blockage (Sialolithiasis) – Small stones can block saliva flow, especially in the submandibular gland under the jaw, creating a painful lump under the chin.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes – Viral infections, strep throat, or even a cold can make glands under the jaw tender and enlarged.
- Cysts or Benign Growths – Less common, but torus mandibularis or dental cysts can slowly enlarge and feel like jaw bone swelling.
Expert Insight — Dr. Aziz Liaquat:
“Sudden jaw swelling is almost always infection-related. When it worsens within hours, it becomes a medical urgency requiring immediate treatment.”
Less Common Non-Dental Causes of Jaw Swelling
Although most jaw swelling comes from dental or TMJ issues, a few non-dental conditions can also contribute:
- Sinus infections causing facial/jaw pressure
- Mumps/parotitis (now rare due to vaccines)
- Thyroid nodules or cysts
- Skin infections such as facial cellulitis
- Autoimmune flare-ups like rheumatoid arthritis
These conditions are uncommon, but ruling them out ensures accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms That Need Immediate Attention
Come to our Chicago office right away if you have:
- Swelling that appears in hours (not days)
- Fever above 101 °F
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Pus or bad taste in the mouth
- Numbness in the lower lip or chin
These can signal a spreading infection that may reach the airway — a true emergency we treat daily at Elite Fix Denture.
How We Diagnose Jaw Swelling in Chicago
When you walk into our Lakeview clinic, Dr. Aziz Liaquat or our team will:
- Perform a gentle exam of your face, jaw, and inside the mouth
- Take digital X-rays or a 3D CBCT scan if needed
- Check for abscess, fracture, or salivary stones
- Test lymph nodes and TMJ function
Most diagnoses take less than 15 minutes.
Treatment Options (Depending on the Cause)
| Cause | Typical Treatment at Elite Fix Denture (Chicago) | Recovery Time |
| Dental Abscess | Root canal or gentle extraction + antibiotics | 3–7 days |
| Trauma/Fracture | Wiring, plates, or conservative healing | 4–8 weeks |
| TMJ Inflammation | Custom night guard made same-day, physical therapy, Botox if severe | 2–6 weeks |
| Salivary Stone | Massage, sour candies, or minor in-office removal | 1–5 days |
| Lymph Node Swelling | Treat underlying virus; referral if needed | 7–14 days |
Home Care While You Wait for Your Appointment
- Rinse with warm salt water every 2–3 hours
- Take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen as directed
- Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15 minutes on/15 off
- Stay hydrated and eat soft foods (Maintain a soft diet until inflammation subsides.)
Prevention Tips from Your Chicago Dentists
- Wear a custom night guard if you grind (we make them in one visit)
- See us every 6 months — early cavities rarely cause swelling
- Stay on top of wisdom teeth issues (common in young adults in Lincoln Park)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is only one side of my jaw swollen?
Usually a tooth infection or salivary stone on that side. One-sided swelling is more likely to be dental than systemic.
Can TMJ cause a visibly swollen jaw?
Yes — severe muscle inflammation can make the jawline look puffy, especially in the morning.
Is a swollen jaw ever cancer?
Very rarely. Less than 1 % of cases, per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Persistent painless lumps over months should be checked, but sudden painful swelling is almost always infection or trauma.
How fast can you see me in Chicago if my jaw is swelling?
Same-day emergency appointments are available at our Lakeview location. Call us — we keep slots open every day for facial swelling.
Will antibiotics alone fix a swollen jaw from an abscess?
No. Antibiotics reduce infection temporarily, but the source (dead tooth or pus pocket) must be drained or removed.
Why is my jaw swollen but I have no tooth pain?
Common with salivary stones, lymph node reaction, or early cysts. Pain isn’t always present.
Is jaw swelling after wisdom teeth normal?
Mild swelling for 3–4 days is expected. Severe or one-sided swelling after day 5 needs evaluation.
Can allergies cause jaw swelling?
Rarely the jaw itself, but swollen lymph nodes from sinus infections can feel like jaw swelling.
When should I go to the ER instead of the dentist?
If swelling closes your eye, makes breathing hard, or you have a stiff neck and high fever — go to the nearest Chicago ER first.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. If you have jaw swelling, please contact a licensed dentist immediately.
Ready for relief?
→ Book your same-day emergency visit in Chicago at EliteFixDenture.com or call (312) 263-7823. We’re here 5 days a week for Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and all Chicago neighborhoods.
Reviewed by Dr. Aziz Liaquat, Implant Dentistry
Elite Fix Denture & Implant Center, Chicago
