Background – A dislocated jaw means that the jaw has moved from its normal position.
The jaw bone is the only part of your face that moves. It holds your lower teeth and is only connected to the top of your mouth by a hinged joint.
Some things to look out for that will tell you if you are at risk for jaw dislocation are if your jaw is clicking when you chew, and if you grind your teeth in your sleep.
Both of these are signs that you have to be careful because you might be at risk. Things that can’t be controlled like a car accident or direct impact to the face cannot really be classified as something that you can prevent. Yawning too big is one of those things that you can try to be more cautious about.
What Is a Dislocated Jaw?
A dislocated jaw is when the jawbone slides out of the joints it fits into on the sides of the head. There are lots of things that can cause the problem. Everything from yawning too hard to being punched can cause it. There have been cases where someone opened their mouth too wide to take a bite and dislocated their jaw.
Symptoms of a Dislocated Jaw
It can be quite painful and may cause you to be unable to close your mouth. One side of your jaw can detach or both sides can become detached. Other symptoms of a dislocated jaw are bleeding, a hard time breathing, swelling of the face and your teeth may not line up properly. The breathing issue comes from muscles tightening in the neck blocking your airway. If you have the bleeding or cannot breathe then you should seek medical attention right away. You will not be able to talk if your jaw is dislocated so you should not strain to try.
Dislocated Jaw Treatments
Treating a dislocated jaw is not pleasant for the patient. The jaw has to be put back to its regular position which is not easy. There will need to be some muscle relaxants and some pain numbing shots before the jaw can be realigned.
Until you can get to the doctor put an ice pack on the area to try and take down the swelling. The doctor may subscribe some additional pain medication if the pain is too severe for over the counter pain meds.
After you have been treated for the dislocated jaw you will need to take some precautions. You should stay on an all liquid diet for at least a week. You should continue to apply the ice to your jaw, and avoid opening your mouth too wide. The doctor may suggest placing your fist under your chin when you yawn. This will prevent your mouth from opening too wide.
Your doctor might also suggest some exercises that you can do to strengthen your jaw. Some things that you can do to prevent a dislocated jaw are to avoid grinding and clenching your teeth because this can wear the joint down that is attaching your jaw.