Suggest Treatment For Sore And Swollen Jaws

Posted on Mon, 9 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : my lower left side jaw is sore and swollen. can't bite down without pain. Woke up this morning with it.
Have not had TMJ as a problem. Did have strep a few weeks ago.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
take anti-inflamatory and ice

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank your for your question.
It sounds like you have some inflammation in the temporomandibular joint. Ice the area 15 to 20 minutes 3-4 times a day. Also taking an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or naproxen will help decrease the inflammation. I doubt this is related to the prior strep infection. You probably slept on it in a strained position and caused some inflammation. It should clear up in a few days. If it does not then see your doctor or dentist as soon as possible.
Hope you get some relief soon,
Dr. Robinson
also questions do usually get answered faster, there are just a lot of question needing answers currently

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T