Swelling in and around the jaw area can have many physiological and physical causes. Jaw swelling is commonly caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, blunt trauma, or physiological abnormalities. There are many lymph nodes, sensitive tissues, and muscles that can also become inflamed for various reasons.
A dental abnormality such as an impacted wisdom tooth is a common cause of swelling of the jaw area. The wisdom tooth usually grows on the back molars. Sometimes the tooth can become impacted, which means it doesn't have enough room in the jaw to grow in properly. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause the jaw to swell, causing localized pain and damaging nearby teeth. Some people choose to have their wisdom teeth removed before they have a chance to cause pain and discomfort.
A broken jaw, also called a mandibular fracture, can cause excessive swelling of the jaw. The jaw can be fractured due to a fall, blunt trauma, or excessive pressure around the mouth area. When the jaw is fractured, the immune system responds by sending white blood cells to the area, which can cause the area to become tender and swollen. Bone fragments can also be affected, causing the jaw to swell.
If a person undergoes facial surgery or medical alterations, then it is common for their jaw area to swell. Liposuction in and around the cheek area, chin surgery, and nose jobs are surgical procedures that are commonly associated with transient swelling of the jaw. Complications during surgery can also cause the face and jaw to swell.
Jaw cysts look like large, fluid-filled boils or pimples, and cause swelling of the jaw due to their size or due to a secondary infection caused by the cyst. Commonly found under the skin or around the jaw bone, these cysts can also form in the salivary glands. A large cyst can weaken the jaw structure, making it more prone to fractures. Imploding cysts can cause inflammation, leading to swelling and tenderness.
The large lumps under the jaw are found among the body's lymph nodes. When the body goes through an infection or disease, the lymph nodes tend to swell, including those around the jaw. Being an integral part of the immune system, these lymph nodes go into overdrive when the body is under attack by creating beneficial antibodies, and can become inflamed.