Broken Jaw: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Recovery Tips

Your jaw is an essential part of how you speak, chew, and even express yourself—and when it’s injured, it can have a major impact on daily life.

Second only to nasal bone injuries, a broken jaw, often called a mandibular fracture, is one of the most frequent facial fractures. It ranks among the top ten most frequently broken bones in the entire body.

Because of its U-shape and location, the lower jaw is especially prone to fracturing in more than one place, making it both a painful and complex injury.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can make a real difference if you or someone you care about experiences this kind of trauma.

Common Causes of a Broken Jaw

Trauma to the chin and face is the general cause of most fractured jaws, and this breaks down into several broad categories:

• Accidental falls – normally fainting for adults and while at play for children
• A motorcycle or bicycle accident in which the rider goes over the handlebars
• Motor vehicle accidents in which the head hits the dashboard or steering wheel
• Fighting during which a person is struck in the jaw
• An injury while participating in sports/athletics

These events can happen suddenly and may not seem serious at first, but the consequences of a broken jaw can escalate quickly without proper attention.

Signs & Symptoms to Watch Out For

A broken jaw isn’t always obvious immediately. Some symptoms can appear subtle at first and gradually worsen.

Key signs include:

• Jaw pain
• Swelling and bruising in the region
• Fatigued jaw
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Ringing in your ears
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Broken or loose teeth
• Popping sounds in your jaw
• Neck pain
• Alteration in the way the teeth fit together
• A jaw that locks
• A bump on the jaw bone or joint

Patients should seek immediate medical care if they suffer from these symptoms. The patient should have someone else drive them to the hospital.

What to Do While Waiting for Care

If any delay is anticipated in getting to emergency care, follow these steps:

• Immobilise the jaw by wrapping a cloth bandage under the chin and securing it over the top of the head. Use a tie, handkerchief, belt, or similar item if a bandage is unavailable.
• Ensure the bandage can be easily removed in case nausea develops.
• Apply ice to control swelling, but do not place ice directly on the skin.
• If you have trouble breathing, immediately call 000 for help.
• Do NOT attempt to reset a broken jaw yourself, as this is a task only for a doctor!

Treatment Options for a Broken Jaw

The degree and location of a fractured jaw determine the course of treatment.

For mild to moderate cases:

• If the fracture is not too severe, the treatment is rest and recovery. This includes limiting jaw use, such as speaking or brushing your teeth.
• If the fracture is severe, your physician may use splint therapy to hold the jaw in place and keep it in the correct position for healing.
• If the fracture is severe, surgery may be necessary, or the jaw may be set and wired shut to prevent movement and ensure unimpeded healing.

Your West Ryde dentist or oral surgeon will guide you through the best approach based on imaging and examination.

Aftercare and Recovery Tips

After receiving treatment from your physician or dentist, follow their aftercare instructions to ensure your jaw heals entirely and correctly.

• Restrict your diet to soft foods and, in many cases, liquid foods. Consume these foods through a syringe or straw. A blender and a good recipe book can be your best friend in recovery from a fractured jaw.
• Apply ice to control swelling, but never apply ice directly to the skin, as this can cause frostbite and other damage.
• Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines such as Ibuprofen to ease any pain or discomfort.
• Be sure to avoid any impact or pressure on the recovering jaw. This means no sports or athletics, practices that might include falls, or sleeping on your back.

Recovery timelines vary, but most broken jaws heal within six weeks when appropriately managed.

Preventing Jaw Injuries

Prevention is always better than cure. While you can’t always control accidents, there are simple steps to reduce your risk of suffering a broken jaw:

• Always wear a seatbelt when in a vehicle
• Use helmets and proper safety gear when cycling or riding a motorcycle
• Avoid running on slippery or uneven surfaces
• Make your home safer, especially for kids and older people, by removing tripping hazards
• In sports, invest in a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect both your teeth and jaw

A mouthguard can drastically reduce the severity of injuries and is especially recommended for contact sports or high-risk activities.

Broken Jaw Treatment in West Ryde

A broken jaw can be painful and life-disrupting, but with timely care, proper treatment, and attention to recovery, most people make a full return to normal function. Whether learning to spot the early signs or taking preventive steps, staying informed helps you act confidently during an emergency.

If you’re concerned about jaw pain or recent trauma or want to explore custom mouthguards for added protection, don’t hesitate to contact your My Local Dentists team. We’re here to help you stay safe, supported, and smiling.

Call your West Ryde dentist at (02) 9809 7000 or visit us at Shop 20 West Ryde Marketplace, 14 Anthony Road in West Ryde.