What could cause a sore, swollen jaw on one side?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A sore, swollen jaw on one side is often caused by salivary gland issues (such as swelling from mouthwash use), masseter tenomyositis, or other muscle-related conditions. Less commonly, it may signal a dental infection, TMJ disorder, or lymph node inflammation. Because the underlying causes vary widely — from mild irritation to conditions needing prompt care — identifying the source early is key to effective treatment and relief.

If you're experiencing one-sided jaw pain or swelling, don't guess. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and get personalized guidance on the right next steps. It takes just a few minutes and can help you decide whether home care, a dentist, or a doctor is the best path forward.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

A sore, swollen jaw on one side can have several causes. One possibility is swelling of the parotid gland, which can occur after using certain mouthrinses. This swelling is often temporary and linked to the ingredients in the mouthrinse.

Another cause could be submandibular swelling, which involves the glands under the jaw. This condition has a variety of causes and requires careful evaluation to determine the exact reason for the swelling.

Lastly, masseter tenomyositis is a condition affecting the jaw muscle, known as the masseter. This condition leads to pain and swelling due to inflammation of the muscle. It is important to identify the specific cause of the swelling to decide the best way to manage it. If you experience these symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker to help determine what might be causing your jaw pain and get guidance on next steps.

(References)

Van der Weijden GA, Ten Heggeler JM, Slot DE, Rosema NA, & Van der Velden U. (2010). Parotid gland swelling following mouthrinse use. International journal of dental hygiene, 20961383.
Eleftheriadis I, Papadimitriou P, & Tzelepi H. (1990). [Submandibular swelling and its differential diagnosis]. To Helleniko periodiko gia stomatike & gnathoprosopike cheirourgike, 2130058.
DuPont JS Jr, & Brown CE. (2009). Masseter tenomyositis. Cranio : the journal of craniomandibular practice, 19697646.

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