Broken or Dislocated Jaw: Causes, Symptoms, & Recovery Steps

Athletes are always at high risk of sustaining jaw fractures due to contact in sports like basketball, football, and hockey. A broken or dislocated jawseverely impairs on-field performance and makes it difficult to speak, eat, or even breathe.

Thus, athletes and sportspeople need to understand how these injuries happen, learn about their symptoms, the best treatments, and how to prevent them.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a professional athlete, or a parent of a young sports player, this guide will help you protect your jaw and avoid painful injuries and long recovery times.

Understanding the Injury

Before you start treating a dislocated or broken jaw, it’s important to assess the severity of the injury. Hence, recognizing the signs can help you take the right steps for the treatment.

Dislocated Jaw

A dislocated jaw occurs when the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) slips out of place. Excessive force or sudden impact can cause the jawbone to shift from its normal position.

Common Causes of Dislocated Jaw in Sports

Jaw dislocation has different causes. Here are some common reasons that may cause a jaw dislocation:

• Yawning or opening the mouth too wide during intense breathing in endurance sports.
• Accidental hits from an opponent’s elbow or knee (e.g. during soccer, wrestling, or basketball).
• Strong, direct blows to the jaw (e.g. during boxing, football, or martial arts)

Broken Jaw (Mandibular Fracture)

A broken jaw is a fracture in the mandible/lower jawbone. Common causes include physical altercation, injuries, or a medical condition like osteoporosis. High-impact collisions, falls, and blows from opponents may all cause jaw fractures.

Common Causes of Broken Jaw In Sports

Mandibular fractures are common in intense sports. Here are a few reasons why the facial bone may be broken in sports.

• Falling onto the face (e.g. while cycling, playing basketball, or skateboarding).
• Direct impact from a ball (e.g. during a game of soccer or baseball), a punch (while boxing), or a collision (when playing rugby or football).
• Contact with sports equipment like a hockey stick or lacrosse ball.

Signs and Symptoms of Broken or Dislocated Jaw

A dislocated or broken jaw can cause severe pain, bleeding, and difficulty in moving the mouth along with other signs. So, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:

Dislocated Jaw Symptoms:

• Severe pain near the ear often means TMJ dislocation
• Difficulty closing the mouth or excessive drooling
• Jaw locked in a misaligned or open position
• Trouble speaking or chewing
• Jaw appears lopsided

Broken Jaw Symptoms :

• Bleeding from the mouth
• Inability to bite properly or misaligned teeth
• Numbness in the lower lip or chin due to nerve damage
• Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
• Swelling along the jawline
• Bruising on the cheeks

When to Seek ER Care?

If you experience severe trauma, and notice one or all of the following symptoms, seek immediate ER care:

• Heavy bleeding
• Signs of a concussion
• Difficulty breathing

Diagnosis and Immediate Care

A dentist or doctor will diagnose a jaw injury by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. In severe cases, imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be required to determine the extent of the damage.

Immediate First Aid For Jaw Injuries in Sports

If a player suffers a jaw injury during a game or practice, quick action can prevent further damage. Follow these steps:

• Stop all activity immediately to prevent worsening the injury.
• Keep the mouth closed and support the chin with a soft cloth or bandage to stabilize the jaw.
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Stick to a liquid diet until medical treatment is available and avoid solid foods.

Medical Evaluation

Severe fractures may require treatment from a reconstructive surgeon, oral specialist, or facial plastic surgeon. Common diagnostic tests include:

• MRI
• CT scan
• X-rays

Your surgeon will evaluate these tests and start treatment according to the severity of your broken jaw.

Jaw Injury Treatment and Recovery

Proper diagnosis is the first step toward recovery. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the injury.

Dislocated Jaw Treatment

• Manual repositioning by a healthcare professional(aka reduction).
• Anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medications to help relax the muscles.
• A soft diet to avoid straining the jaw during recovery.

Broken Jaw Treatment

• Mild fractures may heal with pain management, rest, and a liquid diet.
• Severe fractures may require surgery, wiring the jaw shut, or using screws and plates for stabilization.
• Recovery time varies but typically ranges from 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.

Potential Complication

Without proper treatment, jaw injuries can lead to:

• Chronic pain
• TMJ disorders
• Misaligned bite
• Difficulty eating or speaking

Prevention Tips for Jaw Injuries in Sports

Wearing an effective mouthguard is one of the best ways to prevent jaw injuries during sports. A properly fitted mouthguard serves as the first line of defense against such injuries. According to the American Dental Association , mouthguards can help prevent over200,000 oral injuries annually in sportslike basketball, football, and hockey.

• Custom-fit mouthguards provide superior protection compared to generic, store-bought options.
• Athletes who wear braces may need specially designed orthodontic mouthguards.
• Sports mouthguards reduce the risk of dislocations and fracturesbyabsorbing the impact of blows to the jaw.
• In addition, proper safety equipment, such as helmets, is crucial during high-impact sports like cricket or football.
• Avoid opening bottles with your teeth or biting hard objects, as these can lead to jaw injuries.

Takeaway

Jaw injuries can be severe but are largely preventable with the right precautions. Recognizing symptoms and understanding treatment options can help athletes recover faster and avoid long-term complications.

You can protect yourself while playing your favorite sports by wearing an AlignerCo mouthguard . Investing in a high-quality sports mouthguard ensures your smile stays safe while you perform at your best.

Stay protected, play smart, and enjoy your game without worrying about jaw injuries.