Hi Dr. Grief,I am feeling some kind of lump under my left jaw. It feels like a swollen lymph gland. I had a bad tooth cavity on the same side. I have read somewhere that lymph glands swell when they are fighting some infection within the body. I do not have any cold symptoms or any other symptoms. Could the infection in the tooth be causing it? I saw dentist last month and although he said that I may need to redo my tooth filling, he did not mention of any infection with the tooth. Thank you in advance! AJ
Hello and welcome. After going through your history it is amply clear that you have developed tooth decay or cavity. Yes, the decayed tooth or cavity is infectious and, it is causing you such symptoms like swelling of lymph nodes. This should be definitely treated by removing the previous filling and checking the present extent of decay. This also requires an x-ray of the tooth. After seeing the x-ray, it can be decided whether the tooth requires simple filling or it should be treated by root canal treatment.Therefore, in my view, please see your dentist soon for x-ray. You also require antibiotics if the progression is deep. Hope I have answered your query. Please let me know for further doubts. Thanks. Take care.