What Causes A Spot At The Corner Of The Jawbone That Is Tender To Touch?

Posted on Tue, 31 Dec 2013

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

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter, age seven, has complained of a spot at the corner of her jawbone that is tender to touch, for two weeks. It doesn't hurt unless pressed on, and doesn't seem bothersome. Could it just be a bruise? She was at the dentist recently but didn't have ex rays.

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Tender spot - jaw bone Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to healthcare magic. Is it only tenderness or is there any visible swelling or redness ? Is there any pain over the ear or discharge ? Does she have any dental caries ? You have a feature to upload images of her face by yourself at the right side of the query page, please utilize that so that . You can also send the image as attachment to YYYY@YYYY , with the subject as 'Attn: Dr. Johny Chacko'. An infection of gums or teeth or ear can cause swelling of lymph node associated with pain. If there is a sebaceous cyst in the skin if infected can cause tenderness. Bruise is likely if there was blunt trauma like fall or collision or vigorous dental procedure. Even jaw bone cysts can cause tenderness. In this case an xray will help. Hope this helped. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (1 hour later)

Thanks for your helpful reply. There is no pain around ear or jaw joint, no visible redness or lump. Just a small tender spot right on the bone. She has no holes in her bottom teeth and hasn't had any dental treatment. Could tenderness from a bruise last two weeks without visible discolouration? How long should I wait for it to resolve before we go to the doctor? It would not seem right to go for an ex ray if it might just be a little bruise.

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (39 hours later)

Brief Answer: How long to wait. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome back. Usually pain from bruise should subside in one week's time rarely longer. I feel you may wait for one more week and still if it has not resolved go to a doctor for examination and if required an x-ray. Hope this helped. If you have any clarifications I will be happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar