A swollen jaw can be caused by various factors including traumatic injury, infection, dental problems, cysts or tumors, and TMJ disorder. Medical attention is necessary to determine the cause and proper treatment.
A swollen jaw is a worrying symptom that can have a variety of causes. Some of the more common causes of a swollen jaw include traumatic injury, infection, or dental problems. Cysts or tumors can also cause the jaw to swell, depending on their size and location. Another potential culprit is a disorder affecting the muscles and joints of the jaw, called TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. Any questions or concerns about developing 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 can occur from things like accidental sports injuries, car accidents, or physical abuse. An injury like this should be evaluated by a doctor right away to make sure your jaw isn’t fractured or to make sure your muscles or nerves haven’t sustained significant damage. Depending on the type of injury present, surgery may be required.
Infections and dental problems can sometimes cause jaw swelling. The infections could be related to underlying dental problems or could result from a systemic infection lodged in the lymph nodes. Prescription antibiotics are usually needed to clear up the infection and may be prescribed by a doctor or dentist. Dental problems such as cavities, abscesses, and broken or otherwise damaged teeth can sometimes cause the jaw to swell. Proper medical and dental care is important, as infections that start in the mouth are able to migrate to other areas of the body, sometimes leading to quite serious medical complications.
Cysts or tumors are quite rare, although they can cause the jaw to swell if present. If the mass can’t be found on physical examination and other causes have been ruled out, your doctor or dentist may order further tests, such as X-rays, to diagnose the problem. In many cases, surgery is needed to remove the mass.
TMJ, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the muscles surrounding the jaw and the joint that allows the jaw to move. In some cases, this condition can result in a swollen jaw that often resolves on its own, only to come back later. While over-the-counter or prescription medications can help with some of the symptoms associated with this disorder, extreme cases of TMJ often require some sort of surgery.
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