Swollen lymph nodes, while unpleasant, can in fact be a good sign. When your lymph nodes are swollen this simply means they are actively working to defend against infections, viruses or bacteria. Your body has lymph nodes in numerous locations such as your jaw, arms, groin, abdomen and legs. When a specific area of your body is battling infections, viruses or bacteria the nearest lymph nodes will swell as they begin to filter them out. If the lymph nodes in the upper neck or jaw area begin to swell and feel tender to the touch there is a good chance this is related to an oral infection.