If You Fall and Your Jaw Hurts, What Do You Do?
Posted on 11/3/2025 by Beaverton Oral Surgeons |
 Have you ever taken a tumble and landed hard on your face? If so, you know the immediate shock and pain that can follow. One of the most common injuries from a fall is jaw pain. While some jaw pain might resolve on its own, other cases require professional medical attention.
Understanding Jaw Pain After a Fall
The jaw is a complex structure composed of bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. A fall can impact any of these components, leading to a range of injuries, including:
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Fractures: A break in the jawbone, which can occur in various locations such as the mandible (lower jaw) or the maxilla (upper jaw). |
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Dislocations: When the jawbone is forced out of its socket, causing misalignment and pain. |
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Ligament sprains or tears: Stretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the jaw, leading to instability and pain. |
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Muscle strains: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles that control jaw movement. |
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Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that supply the jaw, causing pain, numbness, and tingling. |
The severity of your jaw pain after a fall will depend on the type and extent of your injury.
What to Do If You Experience Jaw Pain After a Fall
If you fall and experience jaw pain, it's crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Here's what you should do:
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Apply ice packs: Apply a cold compress to the injured area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling and pain. |
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Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. |
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Avoid hard or chewy foods: Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew while your jaw heals. |
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See a doctor or dentist: They will examine you, take X-rays if needed, and diagnose the specific injury. |
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Follow your doctor's instructions: Depending on the diagnosis, your treatment plan may involve rest, medication, physical therapy, or even surgery. |
When to Seek Emergency Care
In some cases, jaw pain after a fall requires immediate emergency care. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
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Severe pain or swelling: This could indicate a fracture or dislocation. |
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Difficulty breathing or swallowing: This could be a sign of airway obstruction. |
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Numbness or tingling in the face or jaw: This could indicate nerve damage. |
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Bleeding from the mouth or nose: This could be a sign of a more serious injury. |
Long-Term Oral Care After a Jaw Injury
Following a jaw injury, proper oral care is essential for recovery and preventing complications. This includes:
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Maintaining good oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent infection. |
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Seeing your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups are important to monitor your healing progress and address any complications. |
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Wearing a mouthguard: If your doctor recommends it, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and jaw from further injury during activities like sports. |
Restoration Dentistry: Restoring Your Smile After a Jaw Injury
Depending on the severity of your injury, you might need restorative dentistry procedures to repair damage to your teeth, jawbone, or other oral structures. This could involve:
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Dental implants: If you lose teeth due to a jaw injury, dental implants can replace them and restore your smile. |
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Bone grafts: If your jawbone is fractured, a bone graft may be needed to promote healing and support dental implants. |
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Crowns or bridges: Crowns and bridges can restore damaged teeth or replace missing teeth, improving both function and aesthetics. |
By seeking prompt medical attention, adhering to your treatment plan, and maintaining good oral care, you can recover from a jaw injury and prevent complications. Don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor or dentist if you have any questions or concerns about your jaw pain after a fall.
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