I have swollen lymph nodes for a week bellow my left ear now.over a period  This perticular lymph nodes often swells and goes down.  It is mostly accompanied when my ear pearcing gets slighly painfull, oozes out water or bexomes crusty.  Though i have had an ear piercing for decades now. I also have gingivitis with a history of peridontitis. Can these be reason for swollen lymph nodes or should i be worried for more serious condition? Should i get them physically checked. Please tell.