Have you ever thought that your jaw, that is, the jawbone in your mouth, could be broken? Maybe it could happen in a fight, or in an accident on the road, or even while playing, right? This is actually a bit of a serious condition. So today, let's talk about this broken jawbone, or as doctors call it , a fractured jaw, in detail.
What does it mean to break a jaw?
Simply put, a broken jaw is when something hard hits your lower jaw (mandible) or upper jaw (maxilla) , which is when that bone breaks. It's just like a broken bone in our hand or foot. In this article, we'll focus on fractures in the lower jaw. Sometimes, the lower jaw can break in more than one place. That means it can break anywhere from the top of the jaw ( the condyle, which doctors call it) to the angle of the jaw that bends up and back toward the ear. The important thing is that no matter where the jaw is broken, a broken jaw is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Are jaw fractures common?
Yes, in fact, jaw fractures are the second most common type of facial fracture. Nasal fractures are the first. Nasal fractures account for 40% to 50% of all facial fractures.
What are the symptoms of a broken jaw?
A broken jaw can be very painful , especially if you try to move your jaw back and forth or up and down. You may not be able to close your mouth or open it wide. If you have a broken jaw, you may also notice:
- You may be bleeding from your nose or mouth .
- Your jaw or cheek may be bruised .
- The jaw or cheek may swell .
- Your teeth may be broken or loose , or your upper and lower teeth may not fit together properly when you close your mouth.
- You may have difficulty breathing .
- You may feel pain when eating or talking.
- You may not be able to open or close your mouth .
- Your ears may hurt .
- Your face – especially your lower lip – may feel numb .
How does a broken jaw look on the outside?
If you have a broken jaw, you may experience symptoms like:
- It may look like a lump on your chin or cheek.
- You can see swelling .
- A bruise (either blue or purple) may appear.
What are the main causes of jaw fractures?
Research has found that interpersonal violence – that is, someone hitting you in the jaw – is the most common cause of a broken jaw. Next are motor vehicle accidents . Both of these are common in our country, aren't they? In addition, accidents at work and injuries during sports can also cause a broken jaw. Think of it, a fast ball while playing cricket, or a collision while playing rugby.
What are the possible complications of a broken jaw?
A broken jaw can affect not only your ability to eat, speak, and even breathe. If not treated properly, your jawbone may not heal properly , or it may heal incorrectly, affecting the appearance of your face or the function of your jaw.
Important: A broken jaw is no joke. Don't ignore it as a minor injury. See a doctor immediately.
How do you know for sure if a jaw is broken? (Diagnosis)
A doctor will first ask you how your jaw was injured, then carefully examine your jaw. They may also order tests such as:
- X-rays : To check for a fracture in the bone.
- CT scan (Computed Tomography - CT scan) : To check for other broken bones in the face or internal bleeding.
What is the treatment for a broken jaw?
Treatment depends on how severe the jaw fracture is, whether it's a minor fracture or a more severe condition, such as a fracture of the lower jaw in multiple places.
- Mild fracture treatment: Your doctor may prescribe a liquid diet for four to six weeks, which includes soups and fruit juices.
- Severe fracture treatment: In this case, you will need surgery . During surgery, doctors will place metal plates or bars around the broken jaw to help hold the bone in place. This will help the bone heal properly. Sometimes, the jaw may be held closed with wires or elastics until it heals. This is called bracing the jaw.
Are there any side effects during treatment?
One study found that the most common side effects of surgery are hardware failure and infection . Hardware failure refers to the fact that the devices used during surgery, such as plates, screws, and wires, break or do not work properly.
How long does it take for a broken jaw to heal?
Even if you don't have to have surgery, a broken jaw can take several weeks to heal. Until your jaw heals, you may need to do the following:
- If you have had surgery, you will need to drink liquids through a straw . You will often be told to use a dental rinse because you will not be able to brush your teeth. Even if you do not have surgery, you will need to eat a soft-food-only diet.
- Place ice packs on your jaw to reduce swelling.
- Take the painkillers (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs - NSAIDs) prescribed by your doctor for pain and swelling.
- This is very important: If your jaw is wired shut, always keep a wire cutter with you so you can cut the wire if you feel like vomiting or if something is stuck in your throat. This can be a lifesaver.
- When you open it again or when you go to the toilet , hold it under your chin with your hand or a clenched fist to keep your jaw from moving.
If I have a broken jaw, what should I expect?
It depends on your situation. If you had surgery, it may take a month or more for your jawbone to fully heal. You will be told to stay on a liquid diet until your jaw heals and your doctor removes the plates and wires that held your jaw together. You can also consult a nutritionist about how to incorporate nutritious foods into your liquid diet.
Can jaw fractures be prevented?
Many people break their jaws when they are injured in an accident or when they are hit in the jaw. You may not always be able to prevent accidents or when someone attacks you. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. For example:
- Don't forget to wear a full-face helmet when riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter.
- Always wear a seatbelt when riding in or driving a vehicle.
- If you play a sports activity that involves contact, such as skiing, consider using a protective face mask and mouth guard .
- If your job involves activities that could result in a blow to the face, wear protective headgear in the workplace .
How do I take care of myself?
A broken jaw heals very slowly. It may take weeks or months before you can resume your normal daily activities, such as playing sports.
When should I see a doctor?
See your doctor immediately if you have any of these:
- Pain that does not subside with home treatments.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills .
- Nausea and vomiting .
What questions should I ask my doctor?
If you have a broken jaw, it's a good idea to ask your doctor these questions:
- What part of my jaw is broken?
- What kind of treatment do you recommend?
- If I need surgery, what type of surgery would you recommend?
- How long will it take for my jaw to heal?
- What activities should I avoid?
What is the difference between a dislocated jaw and a broken jaw?
The difference is that a dislocated jaw doesn't break the jawbone. What happens is that the bone in your lower jaw pops out of the joints near your ear (doctors call these the temporomandibular joints ). However, both a dislocated jaw and a broken jaw are emergencies that require immediate medical attention .
What is the best way to sleep with a broken jaw?
You should also protect your broken jaw while you sleep. The best way to do this is to sleep on your back . This will prevent pressure from being placed on your jaw.
Most people's broken jaws heal, but it can take several months for them to fully heal. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully during your recovery. For example, you may need to stay on a liquid diet or eat only soft foods. You'll need to take care of your injured jaw, which may include staying away from contact sports for a while.
The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's look at some of the key points you need to remember from what we've talked about:
- A broken jaw is a serious condition . Don't take it lightly.
- If you experience symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, or difficulty opening or closing your mouth , see a doctor immediately.
- Treatment depends on the nature of the fracture. It may involve a liquid diet only, or it may involve surgery.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly until you are healed. If you have wires, keep a wire cutter nearby.
- It takes time to heal. Be patient.
- Try to prevent such accidents by using safety measures like helmets and seat belts.
I hope you find this information useful. Stay healthy!
` Jaw fracture, jaw bone, facial injuries, emergency treatment, jaw surgery, jaw pain, jaw swelling
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