Dislocated Jaw - Causes - Better Medicine

What causes a dislocated jaw?

A dislocated jaw can be caused by forceful yawning or by some sort of trauma or impact with the face. Common causes of jaw dislocation include a punch to the face, sports injuries, and car accidents.

What are the risk factors for a dislocated jaw?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing dislocated jaw. Not all people with risk factors will get dislocated jaw. Risk factors for dislocated jaw include:

History of dislocated jaw
Participation in sports, especially contact sports or motorsports

Reducing your risk of a dislocated jaw

A dislocated jaw can result from almost any kind of accident, and there is no way to completely prevent a dislocated jaw. You may be able to lower your risk of dislocated jaw by:

Avoiding yawning with excessive force
Wearing a helmet at all times when engaged in motorsport activities
Wearing a protective face mask when you participate in contact sports, such as hockey or lacrosse
Wearing a seatbelt any time you are in a car

INTRODUCTION

What is a dislocated jaw?

The jawbone, known as the mandible, fits into a joint on each side of the head (temporomandibular joints or TMJs) and becomes dislocated when the bone slides out of these joints. A dislocated jaw may be caused by forceful yawning or by an impact or force, such as being punched in the face or being in a car accident.... Read more about dislocated jaw introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of a dislocated jaw?

Symptoms of a dislocated jaw include pain in or around the jaw, the misalignment of teeth, and forward movement of the jaw beyond its regular position. Other symptoms include difficulty opening and closing the mouth.... Read more about dislocated jaw symptoms

TREATMENTS

How is a dislocated jaw treated?

A dislocated jaw must be put back into place. Because the jaw muscles are so strong, this may require numbing medications and muscle relaxants. Once the jaw has been restored to its normal position, motion of the jaw must be limited to prevent it from dislocating again.... Read more about dislocated jaw treatments