← All explanationsSalivary gland inflammation

Could a swollen gland be causing pain around my jaw?

Salivary gland inflammation affects tissue in a gland that produces saliva. The clinical term is sialadenitis. Causes include infections and problems with saliva drainage; a swelling near the cheek or lower jaw is therefore not always caused by a tooth.

For training & practice ↓

Schematic side view of the positions of the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. — Simplified locations of the major salivary glands · not a depiction of a diagnosis or inflammation

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Locate the gland

Major salivary glands sit in front of the ears, below the lower jaw and under the tongue. The affected gland influences where swelling becomes noticeable.

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Distinguish the causes

Bacteria, viruses or other conditions may be involved. Saliva retained behind an obstruction can also promote infection. Symptoms and an examination help distinguish these possibilities.

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Arrange appropriate care

Further tests and ENT assessment may be appropriate. Treatment follows the cause. Breathing or swallowing difficulty and rapidly spreading swelling require immediate medical help.

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Who is this explanation for?

People with swelling or pain near the cheek, jaw or floor of the mouth.

What should be mentioned?

Onset, course, relation to meals, fever, dry mouth, known conditions and medications.

Which services may be involved?

Depending on the cause, dentistry, primary medical care and ENT may be involved.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

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Landscape film (MP4) · Portrait film (MP4)

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.

Read the film text in English

Locate the gland
Major salivary glands sit in front of the ears, below the lower jaw and under the tongue. The affected gland influences where swelling becomes noticeable.
Distinguish the causes
Bacteria, viruses or other conditions may be involved. Saliva retained behind an obstruction can also promote infection. Symptoms and an examination help distinguish these possibilities.
Arrange appropriate care
Further tests and ENT assessment may be appropriate. Treatment follows the cause. Breathing or swallowing difficulty and rapidly spreading swelling require immediate medical help.

Often confused

Sialadenitis or a dental abscess?

Sialadenitis affects a salivary gland. A dental abscess is a pus-forming infection around a tooth or its supporting tissues. Symptoms may overlap, so examination is needed to identify the source.

Quick answers

Are antibiotics always needed?

No. Antibiotics target bacteria and do not treat a purely viral cause. Whether they are needed is decided by the treating clinician after assessment.

Is inflammation the same as a salivary stone?

No. A stone can obstruct a duct and contribute to inflammation, but a gland can become inflamed without a stone.

Can it wait until my routine check-up?

For fever, worsening swelling, a pus-like taste or significant pain, contact a medical or dental service promptly. Breathing or swallowing difficulty requires immediate help.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Is a tooth or a salivary gland more likely to be involved, and which service should investigate further?

Unexplained swelling around the jaw needs assessment. Call directly for acute symptoms; seek immediate medical help for breathing or swallowing difficulty.

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Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Sialadenitis: Inflammation of a salivary gland.
Parotitis: Inflammation of the parotid gland in front of the ear.
Salivary stasis: Reduced onward flow or retention of saliva.

Make the distinction

Sialadenitis affects a salivary gland. A dental abscess is a pus-forming infection around a tooth or its supporting tissues. Symptoms may overlap, so examination is needed to identify the source.

Knowledge questionWhich statement is correct?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

Every swollen gland needs the same antibiotic.
Salivary gland inflammation is always a dental abscess.
Treatment depends on the cause and examination findings.

View answer

Treatment depends on the cause and examination findings.

Infection, obstruction and other conditions may require different investigations and treatments.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-02. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.