Lymphatic System comprises of Lymph nodes in the Facial region which are related to the Oral cavity and are enlarged due to infection of the particular region. Palpation of Lymph nodes helps in Provisional Diagnosis of oral conditions. The Lymph nodes should be checked for tenderness, mobility, enlargement and consistency while performing a Examination. Facial Lymph nodes are divided into three groups – Infaorbital or Maxillary Lymph nodes, Mandibular lymph nodes and buccinator lymph nodes. From these groups the lymph nodes which are relevant to oral cavity are preauricular, submandibular, submental and cervical lymph nodes.
The Lymphatic drainage of the Oral cavity is further divided into Regional nodes and deep cervical nodes based on their position.
Regional Lymph Nodes and their drainage:
- Parotid node on top of the parotid gland which drains into these nodes
- Submandibular nodes located on the lateral wall of the submandibular gland, the cheek region drains into this along with the upper lip, lower lip, maxillary sinus along with upper and lower teeth, the floor of mouth, two thirds of the tongue, vestibule and the gums.
- Buccal Nodes are located on the buccinator muscle over the cheek and transport the lymph collected in the submandibular nodes.
- Submental Nodes are located below the chin in the submental triangle, the tip of the tongue, floor of anterior part of mouth, incisors, the central part of the lower lip and skin on chin drain into these nodes.
- Superficial cervical nodes are located on the external jugular vein and drain the skin over the angle of the mandible along with skin covering the parotid gland.
Palpation of Lymphnodes and its Provisional diagnosis:
- Submental Lymphnodes Enlargement: Infection to Anterior teeth
- Submandibular Lymphnodes Enlargement: Infection of Mandibular Molars
- Angle of mandible lymphnodes Enlargement: Tonsillar infection
- Palpable and Tender Lymphnodes with Fever and swelling: Acute infection
- Palpable Lymphnode with no pain: Chronic infection
- Hard fixed lymph node with stone like consistency: Malignancy
- Nontender and Matted Lymphnodes: Tuberculosis
Palpation of Lymphnodes is a very integral part of Diagnosis and to decide the treatment plan after other diagnostic tests to determine the source of infection.
Are you aware of any dental conditions that would cause swelling in the lyphatic system in the body of the mandible?
The swelling of the Sub Mandibular glands can be caused to something as simple as a Mouth Ulcer, tooth abscess or some systemic conditions like Tuberculosis. So it will be difficult to identify a condition just based on swollen Lymph Node, other symptoms should also be taken into consideration to come to a proper diagnosis.
I would like to know if there is a remedy for hardened lymph nodes? I have one under my lower right jaw area that has acted as a blockage on that side. The onnly thing that i have found that reduces the lymph nodes size is eating only fruit for many weeks. This is not sustainable while in a physical job. The acids accumulated have caused damage to the teeth but i dont see the point in getting any dental work done until the root cause is remedied.
Regards, mark
Lymph nodes enlargement is usually caused due to an underlying disease, so getting rid of the underlying condition can help solve the problem of enlarged lymphnodes. The nodes under the lower right jaw area is drained into from these regions – cheek, upper lip, lower lip, maxillary sinus along with upper and lower teeth, the floor of mouth, two thirds of the tongue, vestibule and the gums.
So if you are suffering from – Tonsilitis, Sinusitis or any chronic ailment related to any of the above regions it can lead to your Lymph nodes being enlarged.
I have much dental work. More porcelain than teeth. I have bilateral lyphodemia and I’m thinking the swelling might be due to dental work. Is that possible for dental root canals could harbor infection somewhere and cause this symptoms of swelling in legs??
Swelling is legs is an highly unlikely outcome of re-infected root canals but bilateral Lymphedema can be a cause of Prolonged Chronic Infected teeth.
If you had a headache and one left side sore, tender occipital node on the same side as dental work done three days prior to remove and old crown and clean out some decay in an area around a molar with a precious root canal, would you assume a connection between the two and would you contact the dentist? There is no fever present. Just one tender occipital node and a head ache and some still aching teeth three days post dental work. Thanks.
Usually an occipital Lymph node is enlarged in Mandibular teeth infections, it usually comes down in a couple of days post treatment of the affected tooth.