It is common for childrens glands, or "lymph nodes" to swell, which is called lymphadenopathy

This usually happens when there is an infection,causing swelling of the neck . Lymph nodes contain cells that produce antibodies to help your body fight infections. During an infection, the lymph nodes can enlarge because there are more than normal cells being produced to fight off the infection. Another cause for enlarged gland could be a sore throat, but you have said that this is not the case. Also my sister is a dentist and I have been there on many occasions when patients will come in and describe the same thing you are describing. Usually after taking an x-ray one of the teeth are infected, or possibly an infection within the mouth somewhere. With this the swelling may come and go.

There are also glands in the back of your head and behind the ears that can swell if there is any inflammation of the scalp. Eye infections can cause the glands in front of your ears to swell . It is also possible for lymph nodes themselves to become infected which is called "lymphadenitis, and they become enlarge quickly. They are tender to the touch and probably will have to be treated with antibiotic therapy.

Glands that are swollen and are not red or tender are usually not anything to worry about, and they will usually return to normal one to two weeks after the infection resolves itself, but it may take months, especially in preschool or school age children. Talk to your doctor if the glands continue to enlarge or is not going away within a couple of weeks.

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Thank you,
Pam Russell RN