Why is the gland below my ear or jaw suddenly swollen and sore?

Feeling a new swelling or soreness near your ear or jaw can be unsettling, especially if you're not sure what's causing it. It may come from a blocked salivary duct, an infection or a virus. A tooth problem can also cause swelling in this area. A lump that stays should be checked, even if it does not hurt. 

What you will learn in this article:

• A swollen gland near your ear or jaw may come from a blockage, infection or virus. 

• Salivary stones can block saliva and make a gland swollen and painful. 

• A tooth abscess can cause swelling in your jaw or the glands in your neck. 

• A lasting lump or trouble breathing or swallowing needs prompt medical attention. 

If you notice new swelling near your ear or jaw, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. Your care team can check the area and help find out what's causing it. 

Where are your salivary glands? 

You have salivary glands near your ear and under your jaw. The one near your ear is the parotid gland. The one under your jaw is the submandibular gland. Both make saliva, the fluid that keeps your mouth moist.¹ When one of these glands swells, it can feel like a lump near your ear. It can also feel like a puffy spot under your jaw. If your jaw and ear ache together, that pairing has its own causes worth checking. 

What causes a swollen gland near your ear or jaw? 

Several problems can make a salivary gland swell. The most likely cause may depend on where the swelling appears, whether it hurts and how quickly it started. 

Can a blocked duct cause swelling? 

Yes. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, small stones can form inside salivary ducts and block the flow of saliva. The affected gland may then become swollen, painful or infected.¹ 

Can an infection or virus cause it? 

Salivary gland infections may be caused by bacteria or viruses. MedlinePlus notes that mumps can affect the salivary glands. A stone, poor oral hygiene, smoking, chronic illness or a low amount of water in the body may raise the risk of a bacterial infection.² 

An infection may cause pain, fever, dry mouth or swelling near your ear, below your jaw or in your neck. The pain may feel worse when you eat. 

Could it be a growth in the gland? 

A lump does not automatically mean cancer, but a lump that stays needs an exam. MedlinePlus explains that salivary gland cancer is rare. Possible signs include a lump near the ear or jaw, trouble swallowing or opening the mouth and numbness, weakness or pain in the face. Doctors may use an exam, imaging and a biopsy to make a diagnosis.³ 

If your face feels numb or tingles near a painful area, tell your dental provider or doctor. You can also read more about possible reasons your face may feel numb or tingly near a painful tooth. 

Could a tooth problem be the cause instead? 

Sometimes swelling near your jaw comes from a tooth rather than a salivary gland. A tooth abscess may cause swelling in the upper or lower jaw or swollen glands in the neck. MedlinePlus also lists severe tooth pain, fever, pain when chewing and swollen gums as possible symptoms.⁴ 

A dental provider can examine your teeth, mouth and gums to look for the source of the problem. A dental X-ray may also help identify the affected tooth. Learn more about how a tooth infection can cause swollen lymph nodes in your neck. 

When should you see a dental provider or doctor? 

A lump that does not go away should be checked, even if it is painless. A dental provider or doctor can examine the area and decide whether you need imaging, a biopsy or care from a specialist. 

Get medical help right away if you have: 

• A high fever 

• Trouble breathing 

• Trouble swallowing 

• Swelling or other symptoms that are quickly getting worse 

MedlinePlus lists high fever and trouble breathing or swallowing as warning signs that require immediate medical help. It also recommends contacting a healthcare professional if symptoms of a salivary gland infection get worse.² 

If the swelling seems connected to a tooth or your gums, a dental provider is a good place to start. A doctor may be the right next step for a lasting lump or a problem that appears to involve a salivary gland. 

Do not ignore swelling near your ear or jaw that does not settle down. Contact your local dental provider to have the area checked and learn what to do next. 

What causes a swollen gland near your ear or jaw? FAQs 

Still have questions about swollen glands near your ear or jaw? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

Does the swelling get worse when I eat? 

It can. Pain from a salivary gland infection may feel worse while you eat. A blocked duct can also stop saliva from draining normally. Tell your dental provider or doctor if swelling returns during meals. 

Can dehydration or stress make gland swelling worse? 

Yes, dehydration can be a factor. It's one thing that may raise the risk of a bacterial infection. Stress alone does not explain a new lump or swollen gland. Talk with your dental provider or doctor if the swelling concerns you. 

Is it normal for the swelling to be on only one side of my face? 

Swelling may affect one gland or more than one gland. Whether it appears on one side or both sides does not tell you the cause. Tell your dental provider or doctor where the swelling appears and when it started. 

Can a swollen gland go away on its own? 

Some salivary gland infections improve on their own, while others need treatment. Have the swelling checked if it keeps returning, lasts more than a few days or gets worse. 

Can children get swollen salivary glands too? 

Yes. Viral infections such as mumps can affect a child’s salivary glands. A child with new or painful gland swelling should be checked by a doctor or dental provider. 

Sources 

¹ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “Saliva & Salivary Gland Disorders.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/saliva-salivary-gland-disorders 

² National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: “Salivary gland infections.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001041.htm 

³ National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: “Salivary Gland Cancer.” https://medlineplus.gov/salivaryglandcancer.html 

⁴ National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: “Tooth abscess.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001060.htm