A dislocated jaw occurs when the lower jawbone, known as the mandible, detaches from its normal position at one or both of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). These joints connect the lower jaw to the skull. When the jaw dislocates, these connections are disrupted, preventing the jaw from functioning as it should. This condition makes it difficult to move the jaw and can be quite painful.
Recognizing the Signs
A dislocated jaw presents with several immediate and noticeable physical symptoms. A primary indicator is the inability to fully close your mouth. Your jaw might also appear visibly shifted or lopsided.
You may also experience an abnormal bite, where your upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly. This misalignment can make speaking difficult and may lead to drooling. Pain in the jaw or face, particularly in front of the ear or on the affected side, worsens with movement.
Muscle spasms or tightness in the jaw and neck muscles can also occur. You might feel a locking sensation in your jaw or hear a popping or clicking noise at the moment of dislocation.
Jaw Dislocation Versus Other Jaw Problems
Distinguishing a dislocated jaw from other jaw problems, such as a broken jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, involves recognizing distinct symptoms. A broken jaw, which is a fracture or crack in the jawbone, often involves significant facial swelling, bruising, and bleeding from the mouth. Individuals with a broken jaw might also experience numbness in the face or gums.
In contrast, a dislocated jaw’s most characteristic features are the inability to fully close the mouth and a visible misalignment where the jaw appears to jut out or is shifted. TMJ disorders, which affect the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, can cause pain, clicking, or popping noises, and sometimes limited jaw movement. However, TMJ disorders typically do not result in the complete and sudden inability to close the mouth or the pronounced visible displacement seen with a full jaw dislocation.
What Causes a Dislocated Jaw
Jaw dislocations commonly occur when the mouth is opened beyond its normal range. One frequent cause is excessive yawning. Forceful vomiting can also lead to a dislocation.
Dental or medical procedures that require the mouth to be held wide open for an extended period can also result in a dislocated jaw. Additionally, direct trauma or injury to the face, such as from sports injuries, accidental falls, or physical assault, can force the jaw out of its normal position.
When to Get Professional Help
A dislocated jaw is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional attention. The intense pain and inability to eat or speak highlight the urgency of seeking prompt care. Delaying treatment can increase discomfort and potentially lead to complications.
It is important to visit an emergency room or seek urgent medical care right away if you suspect your jaw is dislocated. Medical professionals can diagnose the condition, often through a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays, to confirm the dislocation and rule out other injuries. The sooner the jaw is realigned, the better the outcome for pain management and preventing potential long-term issues.