Jaw Dislocation: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Treat

 

Jaw Dislocation: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Treat 

 

Jaw dislocation, also known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation, is a condition when the lower jaw bone (mandible) shifts out of its normal position. This joint is located on both sides of the face, just in front of the ears, and connects the lower jaw to the skull bone.

So, what are the symptoms, causes and how to treat jaw dislocation? Check out the full explanation below.
 

Symptoms

Jaw dislocation can occur on one or both sides of the TMJ joint. The condition can cause severe pain, inability to open or close the mouth, and difficulty speaking and eating.

Some common symptoms of jaw dislocation:

• Severe pain in the jaw, face, or ear: This pain can be sharp and shooting, or dull and throbbing.
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth: You may feel like your jaw is locked or you cannot open your mouth as wide as usual.
• Mouth locked in an open or closed position: Your jaw may be locked in an open position so that you cannot close it completely, or locked in a closed position so that you cannot open it.
• Jaw appears crooked or misaligned: Your jaw may look crooked or misaligned with your nose.
• Misaligned teeth: Your upper and lower teeth may not contact or gap when you bite down.
• Difficulty speaking or eating: You may have trouble speaking clearly or eating hard food.
• Pain when chewing: You may feel pain when chewing food.
• Clicking sounds in the jaw when opening or closing the mouth: You may hear a clicking or popping sound in your jaw when you open or close your mouth.

Causes and risk factors

Jaw dislocation can be caused by several factors, such as:

• Trauma: A hard blow to the face or jaw, such as a car accident or a fall, can cause jaw dislocation.
• Activities that open the mouth too wide: Forceful writhing, yawning, laughing, or vomiting can cause jaw dislocation in people who have a weak TMJ
• Medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, are more at risk of jaw dislocation.

Diagnosis

The doctor will perform a physical examination to diagnose jaw dislocation. The doctor will feel the jaw and check for signs of dislocation, such as swelling, pain, and misalignment.

The doctor may also perform some supporting examinations, such as:

• X-rays: X-rays can help the doctor see the position of the jaw and detect any bone damage.
• CT scan: A CT scan can provide more detailed images of the jaw and TMJ joint.
• MRI: An MRI can help the doctor see the soft tissues around the TMJ joint.

Treatment

Treatment of jaw dislocation depends on its severity and cause. Common treatments:

• Jaw repositioning: The doctor will reposition the jaw back into position. This procedure can be done under local or general anesthesia.
• Use of braces: After the jaw is repositioned, the doctor will stabilize it with splints or braces. This stabilization is usually required for a few weeks.
• Medications: The doctor may prescribe pain and anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants to help relieve pain and swelling.
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can help patients regain strength and mobility of the jaw muscles.
• Surgery: Surgery may be required in severe or chronic cases of jaw dislocation.

Prevention

There are several things that can be done to prevent this condition from occurring. Some tips to prevent jaw dislocation:

• Avoid activities that open the mouth too wide, such as writhing, yawning, laughing, or forceful vomiting.
• Use a mouth guard when exercising or doing other activities that risk causing injury to the jaw.
• Consult a dentist if you have habitual bruxism (teeth grinding).
• Manage stress well. Stress can worsen TMJ symptoms and increase the risk of jaw dislocation.
• Have regular dental check-ups to ensure the health of your teeth and jaws.

If you experience symptoms of jaw dislocation, see a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

 

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