Swelling of the jaw is a symptom that is characterized by swelling that causes the jaw to become larger than the normal or a lump develops on the jaw. Jaw swelling develops with a buildup of fluid in the skin found above the jaw or inflammation of the jaw.
Mild swelling of the jaw can be caused by a recent injury or a surgery, but will heal on its own or with home treatment such over-the-counter pain medications and compresses.
Symptoms of swelling of the jaw
- Dental pain
- Bumps
- Hives and rash
- Bleeding and bruising
- Redness and warmth
- Itchy, oily and dry skin
- Pain can be felt in other parts of the face or the teeth
- Fever and sneezing
Seek medical help if the symptoms involve sudden swelling of the face, lips and tongue, development of rash, difficulty in breathing such as shortness of breath and wheezing, a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit and severe jaw swelling.
There are numerous factors and reasons why swelling of the jaw occurs. It can be a result of physical injury such as blunt force trauma to the jaw area. Swelling of the jaw is a normal defense reaction of the body after an injury.
Causes of swelling of the jaw
- Conditions of the gums such as gingivitis and tooth abscess as well as inflammation can cause swelling of the gums and an infection will contaminate other areas.
- Blunt force to the jaw line which is common trauma on boxers after a fight or any fierce physical abuse.
- Some underlying conditions such as mumps that would cause inflammation of the lymph nodes and will cause the jaw to swell as the parotid gland increases in size.
- Conditions caused by bacteria or viral infections such as mononucleosis, measles and infection of the ear as well as an abscessed tooth can cause swelling of the glands that can cause jaw pain.
Treatment and home remedies of swelling of the jaw
- Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the jaw line or an ice pack to help relieve the pain since the cool temperature minimizes the swelling
- Eat cold foods to help in relieving the pain felt in the jaw line
- Place a raw potato over the swelling area at least twice or three times a day.
- Take vitamin C supplements
- Avoid eating foods that increases the production of saliva such as sour foods
- Avoid over-stimulating the jaw by chewing gum, eating tough foods such as steak, eating chewy bread and candies.
- If yawning, try not to over stretch the jaw muscles.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen in order to minimize the pain.
- Massage the muscles in the jaw gently in order to help lessen the pain.
- Seek medical help immediately if swelling of the jaw persists for than a few days.