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What Causes Swelling And Pain Below The Ear Post Tongue Piercing?
Hi, I got my tongue pierced 3 days ago. So far, no problems have occurred, just a swollen tongue, until earlier today as I was eating, I started to feel pain and increased saliva flow. I looked in the mirror and noticed that below my ear by my jaw (right side) was swelling up! When I press against it, it hurts. Eventually the swelling went down, but im scared to eat now, as it might swell up again. The rest of the day, I've just been drinking water only and I also notice that my mouth is dry. I've read several other articles online and I think I might have a salivary gland infection. Could this be related to my tongue piercing? Do I need to have it examined? Are the at-home treatments I can try instead of going to see my doctor?
posted on
Fri, 16 Dec 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 4 Jan 2017
Answered on
Wed, 4 Jan 2017
Last reviewed on
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
As per your complain it looks like an obstructed duct of submandibular salivary gland that is present under the jaw. Swelling under the jaw just after eating is clear indication of obstructed duct as when there is obstruction in the duct of the salivary gland due to formation of crystalline stones known as Sialoliths from the minerals present in saliva the duct is blocked. When saliva flow increases suddenly when we start eating and it cannot flow into the mouth there is backflow of saliva into the gland and it swells. As the salivation gradually reduced and also some saliva seeps through narrow spaces left in the ducts there is reduced swelling.
You should consult an oral physician and get evaluated and he can do a thorough clinical evaluation and x rays to rule out the cause. If it is suspected to be due to stone formation you can be advised to suck tart candies as at times the stones can flush out with heavy saliva flow. Superficial stones can however be pushed manually towards the duct orifice and can be removed. Deeper stones needs surgical removal under supervision of Sialoscope.
Hope this information helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks and regards,
Dr. Honey Nandwani Arora
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
As per your complain it looks like an obstructed duct of submandibular salivary gland that is present under the jaw. Swelling under the jaw just after eating is clear indication of obstructed duct as when there is obstruction in the duct of the salivary gland due to formation of crystalline stones known as Sialoliths from the minerals present in saliva the duct is blocked. When saliva flow increases suddenly when we start eating and it cannot flow into the mouth there is backflow of saliva into the gland and it swells. As the salivation gradually reduced and also some saliva seeps through narrow spaces left in the ducts there is reduced swelling.
You should consult an oral physician and get evaluated and he can do a thorough clinical evaluation and x rays to rule out the cause. If it is suspected to be due to stone formation you can be advised to suck tart candies as at times the stones can flush out with heavy saliva flow. Superficial stones can however be pushed manually towards the duct orifice and can be removed. Deeper stones needs surgical removal under supervision of Sialoscope.
Hope this information helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks and regards,
Dr. Honey Nandwani Arora
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