You may have suffered some sort of injury to the jaw, which may have caused the swelling. In this case, it is best to avoid any movements of the jaw, unless absolutely necessary. Movements such as talking and eating will put a strain on the jaw and must be restricted. It is better to consume soft foods that do not require too much chewing. Boiled or steamed vegetables or rice will be easier on the jaw while eating. Even yawning can aggravate the pain and must be restricted to smaller mouth movements. Use a soft pillow under the jaw while sleeping in order to prevent further injury. Try to avoid sleeping on your side or on your stomach as this puts stress on the jaw. If the pain is excessive, you may ease it by applying cold compresses such as an ice pack. This helps to alleviate the discomfort and pain. Massaging the jaw gently helps to build up blood circulation in the area and quicken the healing process. Breathing deeply also helps the jaw muscles to relax and eases the swelling.
One point to remember is that avoiding caffeinated beverages will work in your favor, as they tend to accentuate pain. Vitamin C helps to build the body’s immunity and will protect you from further pain and swelling. If the swelling is resulting from a tooth problem, it is wise to consult a dentist at the earliest to prevent further complications. The swelling may also be occurring on the lymph nodes that are located just below the jaw.
The swelling may have also occurred due to enlarged lymph nodes or glands. These nodes swell when the body is in the midst of fighting off an infection or illness. The node may be felt as slightly tender bump on the skin. If the node continues to swell and if there are accompanying symptoms such as difficult in swallowing or fever, you may need to see a doctor to determine the cause of the condition. Warm compresses help to reduce the swelling and ease the pain associated with swollen lymph nodes. Lemon juice is effective in treating the pain and any accompanying infection that may have occurred. Drinking lime juice with warm water is a good natural remedy. Garlic is also beneficial in speeding up the healing process and garlic consumed in the food is very helpful. Chamomile tea is also effective in reducing swelling and pain.