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Swollen cheeks or jaw in front of the ears

Also called: Parotid swelling, salivary gland swelling, mumps

Swollen cheeks or jaw in front of the ears usually means swollen salivary glands (parotid glands). Mumps, other viruses, bacterial infections, and blocked salivary ducts from stones are common causes. Painful swelling with fever, redness, or pus in the mouth needs prompt care.

Common causesMumps and other viruses, bacterial infection, salivary stones
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifThere's fever, pus, or it lasts more than a week
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

The parotid glands sit in front of each ear and make saliva. When they swell, the cheeks look puffy and the jaw angle may disappear.

Mumps causes swelling of one or both sides with fever and tiredness; it's rare in vaccinated people. Salivary stones block the duct, causing swelling and pain that's worse with eating. Bacterial infection is more common with dehydration and in older adults. Painless, long-lasting swelling should be checked for other causes.

When to get medical care

Call 911Swelling with trouble breathing or swallowing.
Get care todayPainful swelling with fever, redness, or pus in the mouth. Swelling with a stiff neck, severe headache, or testicle pain.
See a doctor soonSwelling that lasts more than a week. Swelling that comes with meals. A painless lump in front of the ear. Dry eyes and dry mouth with swelling.

Causes

Causes include mumps, other viruses (flu, Epstein-Barr), bacterial parotitis, salivary stones, dehydration, Sjogren's syndrome, and, less often, tumors. Swollen lymph nodes and dental infections can look similar.

OwieClear has pages on 4 conditions that can cause swollen cheeks or jaw in front of the ears. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • MumpsSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A contagious virus that causes puffy, sore cheeks and jaw from swollen salivary glands, along with fever, headache, and tiredness.

Less likely causes

  • Acinic cell carcinomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    A rare, usually slow-growing salivary gland cancer, most often in the parotid gland in front of the ear.

  • Mucoepidermoid carcinomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    The most common salivary gland cancer in both adults and children, most often in the parotid gland in front of the ear.

  • Salivary gland cancerSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Cancer of the glands that make saliva, most often the parotid gland in front of the ear.

What you can do at home

  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Suck sour candy or lemon drops to increase saliva flow.
  • Massage the gland gently.
  • Use warm compresses.
  • Stay home if mumps is possible, for 5 days after swelling starts.

Medicines

Pain relievers help. Bacterial infections need antibiotics. Stones may need removal. Mumps has no specific treatment.

At the doctor

The provider will look for infection, a stone, or another cause.

Questions you may be asked

  • When the swelling started
  • One or both sides
  • Fever or pain with eating
  • Vaccine history
  • Dry eyes or mouth

The exam

An exam of the face, mouth, and neck.

Tests

  • Ultrasound or CT
  • Tests for mumps
  • Blood tests

Prevention

You can lower your risk.

  • Get the MMR vaccine
  • Stay hydrated
  • Practice good oral care

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

Start the symptom checker

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.