A bruised jaw, also known as a jaw contusion, occurs when the soft tissues and small blood vessels around the jawbone are damaged due to blunt force trauma. This injury can result from various incidents, such as falls, sports injuries, or even dental procedures. While often less severe than a fracture or dislocation, a bruised jaw can still cause considerable discomfort and affect daily activities like speaking and eating.
Typical Healing Duration
A bruised jaw typically heals within several days to a few weeks. The initial swelling begins to subside within 5 to 7 days, and bruising fades within 10 to 14 days. The overall duration of recovery can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the bruise. More extensive bruising or deeper tissue damage requires a longer healing period.
An individual’s overall health also plays a role in how quickly a bruised jaw recovers. People in good general health often experience faster healing, whereas underlying conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system can slow the process. Adherence to care instructions, such as resting the jaw and avoiding activities that could re-injure the area, can significantly influence the healing timeline.
Recognizing a Bruised Jaw and Supporting Recovery
Recognizing a bruised jaw involves observing common symptoms that develop after an impact. Pain and tenderness along the jawline or in front of the ear are frequently reported, and this discomfort can worsen with movement. Swelling and visible discoloration, appearing as a bruise on the face or inside the mouth, are also common indicators. Difficulty chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth widely can further suggest a jaw contusion.
Supporting the recovery of a bruised jaw and managing symptoms involves several practical steps. Resting the jaw is important, which includes limiting excessive talking and avoiding wide yawns. Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can reduce swelling and numb pain, especially during the first 24-48 hours. After this initial period, warm compresses can relax tight muscles and improve circulation.
Eating soft foods, such as soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs, minimizes strain on the jaw muscles during healing. Avoiding hard, chewy, or crunchy foods is also advised. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can manage pain and reduce inflammation. Gentle jaw exercises, once the initial pain subsides, can restore normal function and reduce stiffness.
Signs Requiring Professional Medical Advice
While many bruised jaws heal with home care, certain signs indicate that a medical evaluation is necessary. Severe or persistent pain that does not improve after a few days of home treatment should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. Difficulty opening or closing the mouth, or if the jaw feels locked, suggests a more serious underlying issue.
Any visible deformity of the jaw, a bite that feels “off” or misaligned teeth, or persistent numbness in the lower lip or chin are important signs that require immediate medical attention, as these could indicate a fracture or nerve damage. Signs of infection, such as fever, increasing redness, or pus around the injured area, also warrant prompt professional evaluation. It is important to seek medical advice for jaw pain that lasts more than a week.