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What Causes Swollen Jaw Muscle Right Below The Left Ear When Chewing?

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Posted on Mon, 4 Jul 2016
Question: Swollen jaw muscle right below left ear....when chewing it swells up and I do not know why...also, the more I chew the larger the muscle gets and then it begins to hurt.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (53 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may be the parotid

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is possible that the muscle that you are referring to the parotid gland which is located just by the ears.

Because they are involved in the production and release of saliva, any issue with the parotid gland can result in enlargement occurring during chewing (saliva is needed during that time).

In some cases it may a simple cause such as a stone in one of the pathways of the parotid.
Infections can also occur as well

You may want to consider seeing an ENT doctor for assessment , they would be the persons to deal with the parotid.
Your doctor can refer you if you do not have an ENT doctor

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Swollen Jaw Muscle Right Below The Left Ear When Chewing?

Brief Answer: may be the parotid Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is possible that the muscle that you are referring to the parotid gland which is located just by the ears. Because they are involved in the production and release of saliva, any issue with the parotid gland can result in enlargement occurring during chewing (saliva is needed during that time). In some cases it may a simple cause such as a stone in one of the pathways of the parotid. Infections can also occur as well You may want to consider seeing an ENT doctor for assessment , they would be the persons to deal with the parotid. Your doctor can refer you if you do not have an ENT doctor I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions