A swollen jaw is a troubling symptom that can have a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes of a swollen jaw include traumatic injury, infection, or dental problems. Cysts or tumors may also cause the jaw to swell, depending on their size and location. A disorder affecting the muscles and joints of the jaw, referred to as TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder, is another potential culprit. Any questions or concerns about the development of jaw swelling should be addressed with a doctor or other medical professional.
Traumatic injuries are among the most obvious causes of a swollen jaw. These injuries may occur from such things as accidental sports injuries, automobile accidents, or physical abuse. An injury such as this should be evaluated by a doctor right away to make sure the jaw is not fractured or to ensure that the muscles or nerves have not suffered significant damage. Depending on the type of injury present, surgical intervention may become necessary.
Infections and dental issues may sometimes cause swelling in the jaw. The infections could be related to underlying dental issues or may stem from a systemic infection that settles in the lymph nodes. Prescription antibiotics are typically needed to clear up the infection and can be prescribed by either a doctor or a dentist. Dental issues such as cavities, abscesses, and broken or otherwise damaged teeth may sometimes cause the jaw to swell. Proper medical and dental care is important, as infections that begin in the mouth are able to migrate to other areas of the body, sometimes leading to quite serious medical complications.
Cysts or tumors are rather uncommon, although they may cause the jaw to swell if they are present. If the mass cannot be detected upon physical examination and other causes have been ruled out, the doctor or dentist may order additional tests, such as x-rays, in order to diagnose the problem. In many cases, surgical intervention to remove the mass is necessary.
TMJ, also referred to as temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the muscles surrounding the jaw as well as the joint that allows the jaw to move. In some cases, this condition may result in a swollen jaw that often resolves on its own, only to recur later. While over-the-counter or prescription medications may help with some of the symptoms associated with this disorder, extreme cases of TMJ frequently require some sort of surgical intervention.