A jaw injury from a fall can be painful and alarming. Whether its a minor bump or a more severe impact, a jaw injury can lead to swelling, pain, difficulty chewing or speaking, and even potential damage to the teeth or bones. If you or someone else sustains a jaw injury, its important to act quickly and correctly to minimize further harm while seeking professional care.
In this blog, we will walk you through the steps of first aid for a jaw injury caused by a fall, how to manage the symptoms, and when to seek medical or dental help.
1. Assess the Situation
The first step when someone has a jaw injury from a fall is to assess the severity of the situation. Jaw injuries can range from mild bruising to fractures, dislocations, or even damage to the teeth or surrounding soft tissues. Pay attention to the following signs:
Pain: Is there immediate pain, and how severe is it?
Swelling: Is there visible swelling around the jaw, chin, or face?
Bruising: Is there bruising, and does it spread to the cheeks, eyes, or neck?
Difficulty Moving the Jaw: Is there any trouble opening or closing the mouth?
Misalignment: Does the jaw look out of alignment or crooked?
Bleeding: Is there any bleeding from the mouth, gums, or inside the cheek?
Numbness: Is there any numbness in the jaw, lip, or chin areas?
If the injury appears to be severe, such as difficulty breathing, swallowing, or moving the jaw, or if you suspect a fracture or dislocation, seek immediate medical attention.
2. Apply Ice or a Cold Compress
Swelling and pain are common with jaw injuries, especially after a fall. A cold compress can help reduce both by constricting blood vessels and numbing the affected area. Here’s how you can apply it effectively:
Wrap ice or frozen peas in a clean cloth: Do not place ice directly on the skin to avoid frostbite.
Apply the cold compress: Hold it gently against the injured jaw for 1520 minutes at a time.
Repeat as necessary: You can apply the compress several times a day to reduce swelling and manage pain.
3. Keep the Jaw Immobilized
If the jaw is painful or visibly misaligned, its important to minimize movement. Avoid chewing or talking too much to prevent further stress on the injured area. In some cases, especially if the jaw feels unstable or you suspect a dislocation or fracture, using a soft bandage or cloth to support the jaw can help keep it immobilized.
Use a bandage or cloth: Gently wrap a soft cloth around the lower jaw and tie it under the chin to limit movement. Dont tie it too tightly; the goal is to provide support, not restrict breathing.
Avoid using your teeth: If theres any pain or discomfort when moving your jaw, its best to avoid chewing or biting down until professional care is obtained.
4. Manage Pain and Swelling
While waiting for medical attention, you can manage pain and swelling with over-the-counter pain medications. Make sure to follow the correct dosage instructions and choose a medication that works for your symptoms.
Pain relievers: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce pain and swelling. Ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can assist with swelling.
Avoid aspirin: For children, avoid giving aspirin as it can cause a rare but serious condition known as Reyes syndrome. Always consult with a healthcare provider if youre unsure which medication is appropriate.
5. Control Bleeding
If the jaw injury results in bleeding, such as from a cut in the mouth or a knocked-out tooth, its important to control the bleeding by applying gentle pressure.
Use clean gauze or a cloth: Place it over the bleeding area, such as the gums, mouth, or the area of the jaw where theres an open wound. Hold pressure for about 1015 minutes.
If bleeding persists: After applying pressure, if the bleeding continues, dont hesitate to seek emergency medical help.
6. Examine the Teeth
A fall that affects the jaw may also cause injury to the teeth. If you suspect that a tooth has been knocked out, loosened, or fractured, its important to act quickly to save the tooth if possible.
Knocked-out tooth: If the tooth is completely knocked out, try to recover it, handling it by the crown (the top part, not the root). Rinse it gently with water (do not scrub it), and place it back into the socket if possible. If not, place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist, and see a dentist immediately for reimplantation.
Cracked or chipped tooth: If a tooth is chipped or cracked, rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and schedule a visit with a dentist as soon as possible.
7. Avoid Eating Hard Foods
Until the jaw is fully examined and treated, avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth, especially if the injury involves the teeth or jaw joint. Opt for soft, cool foods that wont irritate the injury or put pressure on the jaw.
Stick to soft foods: Soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are good options that wont require significant chewing.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, but avoid hot drinks or anything that could irritate your jaw.
8. Seek Professional Care
Its crucial to see a dentist or healthcare provider after a jaw injury, especially if you suspect a fracture, dislocation, or any significant dental or oral damage. Even if there are no immediate visible signs of injury, its important to have a professional assessment.
Dental evaluation: If the injury affects the teeth, gums, or jawbones, a dentist will perform an X-ray to assess the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment, such as dental restoration, splinting, or surgery.
Medical evaluation: If the injury appears to involve fractures of the jawbone or more serious trauma, you may need to visit a doctor or an emergency room for further evaluation and treatment, including potential surgery to realign the bones.
9. Follow Up for Further Treatment
Once the immediate treatment is completed, its essential to follow up with your healthcare provider or dentist to ensure proper healing and recovery. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need additional care, such as physical therapy, jaw exercises, or further dental treatments to restore function and appearance.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
While most minor jaw injuries can be treated at home, there are situations when you should seek immediate medical attention. These include:
Severe pain or difficulty breathing
Large amounts of bleeding that cannot be controlled
Obvious bone fractures or a jaw that seems out of alignment
Loss of consciousness or dizziness
Difficulty swallowing or talking due to the injury
Swelling that gets worse instead of better
If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical or dental care right away.
Conclusion
A jaw injury from a fall can be serious, but with prompt first aid and professional care, many injuries can heal effectively. Whether the injury is minor or more severe, the key is to control pain, swelling, and bleeding, and to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Remember to assess the situation, immobilize the jaw, and manage discomfort until you can receive treatment. If you experience significant pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a serious injury, dont hesitate to visit an emergency medical facility.