Why does the gland below the jaw swell when eating solid food?

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Answer

You give very little detail so I cannot be certain what is happening here. Oral Health is a very important matter and should not be ignored. Infections of the mouth and gums can cause severe complications, so consult a professional.

There are Salivary glands under your jaw with openings into the mouth. These openings need to be kept clear to allow the passage of saliva into the oral cavity.

Smelling and eating food stimulates the production of saliva which contains enzymes to digest food in the mouth. The glands are at their maximum output during eating.

Should the openings of these glands be blocked or damaged by infection in the mouth, the Saliva will build up in the gland causing it to swell, if only temporarily.

Get your Oral Health checked out and maintain a good Oral hygiene regime. You may have an infection which could spread into the glands causing more prolonged swelling and pain. Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash is very good for clearing up most infections. If you prefer a Herbal mouthwash, try One drop of Tea Tree or Thyme Essential oil whisked into a glass of warm water and use to garle too.

Answer

You may have a stone in one of the ducts of your salivary gland. You need to see your doctor to have it evaluated. Sometimes you can pass the stone yourself, if not, you'll need to see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. The buildup of saliva could possibly cause an infection due to bacteria multiplying.

Try sucking on lemon drops and/or sweet tarts to build up the pressure and see if you can force anything out of the gland. You still need to see a doctor.

First answer by Marge. Last edit by Hollygoheavy. Contributor trust: 143 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 234 [recommend question]