Suggest Treatment For Swollen Jaw

Posted on Fri, 22 Apr 2016

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

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 Answered on

Sat, 11 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have some swelling on my jaw. by the tmj. I also notice a slight burning or tingling on that side when I eat.
Any idea what is going on? Thanks, XXXX YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
TMJ inflammation. Suggestions for treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.

I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

It looks like you may be having an inflammation of the TMJ.
Some advice I may give to get better with it are:
-- Rest the joint by eating soft foods, avoid opening the mouth very wide, massaging the muscles and applying warmth can help. Splints or bite guards are sometimes suggested.
-- Use a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
-- If those are not helpful you may go to a physical therapist or consider joint steroid injections.

If worse or not better in 2 weeks, I would recommend seeing a local doctor. He may check where the swelling is, if it is really connected with the joint, or it is a lymph nodule, or any of the glands localized there nearby. Since you have the pain while eating, it is most probably from the joint, but better to be sure if it is not getting better.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee