Why Does My Jaw Hurt Before Meals?

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Key Takeaways

Jaw pain or swelling before meals can be a sign of a blocked saliva duct, not just muscle strain or dental issues.
Recognising this pattern can help guide appropriate care.
Salivary stones form when minerals build up inside the ducts, often due to dehydration, reduced saliva flow, or certain medications.
Dry mouth from allergies or antihistamines may increase the risk, especially in humid climates like Singapore, where fluid loss can go unnoticed.
Early evaluation helps prevent complications like infection, and mild cases may be managed with hydration, massage, or dietary changes.

Introduction

A mild ache beneath the jaw might not seem like much, especially when it comes and goes. For many people, the discomfort tends to appear before or during meals and is easy to dismiss as muscle tension, a dental issue, or the start of a sore throat. But if the pain returns at the same time each day, there may be an underlying cause worth exploring.

The presence of salivary stones may be one potential cause. These are small, hardened deposits that can form inside the ducts that carry saliva into the mouth. While often overlooked, they can interfere with saliva flow and lead to recurring discomfort. This article looks at how these stones develop, what symptoms to watch for, and when it might be time to seek medical input.

Could That Pre-Meal Jaw Pain Be Something Else?

Chewing naturally stimulates saliva production, helping to moisten and break down food. But if a salivary duct is partially blocked, this increase in flow can’t move through as it should. The pressure builds up, leading to pain or swelling under the jaw.

Unlike general jaw tension or dental discomfort, this type of pain follows a distinct pattern. It often starts just before eating, worsens during meals, and gradually subsides afterwards. Some individuals may also experience tenderness, dryness in the mouth, or a sense that something isn’t quite right.

Pro Tip: If you notice pain building up before meals and easing afterwards, try tracking when it happens. A clear pattern can help your doctor distinguish it from other causes, such as dental issues or muscle-related discomfort.

How Do Salivary Stones Affect Saliva Flow?

Saliva moves through thin ducts that link each salivary gland to the inside of the mouth. Over time, small mineral deposits can form within these ducts and gradually harden into stones. If a stone becomes stuck in the duct, it can interfere with or slow down the normal flow of saliva.

This blockage causes pressure to build behind the obstruction, which may lead to swelling, discomfort, or even infection if saliva becomes trapped and bacteria begin to grow. Although most stones form in the glands located under the jaw, other salivary glands may be affected as well.

Why It Matters: Blockages don’t always cause noticeable symptoms at first. Many people only become aware of an issue once the discomfort becomes more frequent, particularly during meals when saliva production increases.

Could It Be Something Other Than an Infection?

Pain or swelling beneath the jaw often prompts a visit to a sore throat doctor, especially when there’s redness or tenderness. While infections are a common cause, symptoms that return around mealtimes may suggest a blocked saliva duct rather than inflammation or a viral illness.

Recognising this difference can help you ask the right questions during a consultation and avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatments that may not target the actual problem.

Why It’s More Common Than You Might Expect in Singapore

Several everyday factors can increase the risk of salivary gland stones, many of which are frequently overlooked. Dehydration is a key contributor. In Singapore’s warm and humid climate, the body loses fluids quickly, whether from time spent outdoors or in cool, air-conditioned environments that can dry out the airways.

Individuals with a sensitive nose allergy may be more likely to experience dry mouth. This can result from frequent mouth breathing due to congestion or from antihistamines that reduce moisture levels. With less saliva flowing through the ducts, minerals can build up and gradually form stones.

Why It Matters: Saliva helps clear the ducts by flushing debris away. When dry mouth sets in, especially during allergy season, this natural process is disrupted, increasing the likelihood of discomfort, infection, or dental issues if a stone is developing.

How Is This Condition Typically Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination. A doctor may gently assess the area under the jaw or along the floor of the mouth to check for signs of blockage. If the stone isn’t easily felt, imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan can help confirm its presence and location.

At ENT specialist centres, including those at Mount Alvernia, imaging may also be used to look for gland inflammation or fluid buildup, especially when symptoms persist without a clear cause.

Pro Tip: Try to address symptoms early instead of waiting for them to become more severe. Early evaluation can often reduce the need for more involved treatment.

When Should You See a Specialist?

If you’ve noticed swelling or pain under your jaw that appears before meals, recurs over several days, or seems to worsen with time, it’s worth getting it checked. Other signs to look out for include persistent mouth dryness, difficulty swallowing, or a lingering bad taste.

In some cases, mild symptoms may ease with increased hydration, gentle massage, or sour foods that help stimulate saliva flow. However, if the discomfort continues or becomes more frequent, a specialist can assess whether salivary stones are present and advise on appropriate treatments.

Recognise the Pattern, Take the Next Step

Pain that comes and goes before meals shouldn’t be ignored, especially if it keeps returning. Identifying the pattern of symptoms associated with salivary stones can help you take action early before complications like infection develop.

Dr Leslie Koh is an ENT specialist in Singapore who provides evaluation and management for salivary gland conditions, along with a range of issues involving the ears, nose, throat, and related head and neck structures. His practice supports individuals seeking clarity around persistent symptoms such as jaw discomfort, throat irritation, or changes in swallowing or saliva flow.

If you’ve been experiencing jaw discomfort that hasn’t been resolved, book a consultation today to understand what’s happening and discuss possible next steps.