What might cause a jaw to be sore and swollen?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A sore and swollen jaw is often caused by inflammation of the jaw muscles, such as masseter tenomyositis or non-infectious myositis. These conditions typically involve tenderness, swelling, and discomfort in the muscles surrounding the jaw, and may make chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth painful. Other potential causes include TMJ disorders, dental infections, or injury.

Because jaw pain and swelling can stem from many different conditions—some minor, others requiring prompt care—identifying the likely cause early is key to getting the right treatment. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be behind your symptoms and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Jaw pain and swelling can result from various conditions affecting the muscles and tissues around the jaw.

Masseter Tenomyositis: This is a condition where the masseter muscle, which helps in chewing, becomes inflamed. This inflammation can lead to tenderness and swelling on the side of the face where the muscle is located.
Non-Infectious Myositis: This involves inflammation of the jaw muscles without an infection. The lateral pterygoid muscle, which helps in moving the jaw, can be affected, leading to pain and swelling.

Both conditions involve muscle inflammation, which can cause discomfort and visible swelling. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you can use a free AI symptom checker to help identify possible causes, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

(References)

Grewal HK, Goel P, Batra R, & Chopra S. (2014). A tender swelling of the left posterior mandible: An unusual .... Journal of oral and maxillofacial pathology : JOMFP, 25328327.
DuPont JS Jr, & Brown CE. (2009). Masseter tenomyositis. Cranio : the journal of craniomandibular practice, 19697646.
Kang JH, Huh KH, & Kho HS. (2015). Non-infectious myositis of the lateral pterygoid muscle. International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery, 25457825.

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