The busiest part of our body is probably our jaw. We use it in trying to chew food, talk, yawn, and even to express emotions like smiling or laughing. As much as it works, our jaws get injured. One of its most common diseases is a bruised jaw.
A bruised jaw is not that bad. But it aches slightly. It’s difficult to eat and speak. A bruised jaw sometimes also has something going on inside. Like a fracture or sprain of the joints.
Today, we shall know what a bruised jaw is, and how it happens. We’ll also see its symptoms, treatment, and when to consult a doctor.
What Is a Bruised Jaw?
MerseMerseBruised jaw.MerseBruised jaw.Bruised jaw happens when the soft tissues, muscles, or the capillaries that envelop the jawbone are injured. A bruise means that tiny blood vessels under the skin have been damaged, resulting in them to bleed, hence creating a painful area that has turned black.
Most times, a bruised jaw is not caused to death, but it will definitely hurt awful. Either a small bruise or an awful bruise, depending on how bad what hit the jaw was, will be left after this.
Most Common Reasons for a Bruised Jaw
There are several reasons why a jaw can become bruised. Some of the most common include:
- Accidents or falls – Banging and falling on the jaw are sure to bruise it.
- Sport. injury – Contact sports like football. boxing. basketball. and wrestling. are sure to bruise the jaw.
- Physical. fight. or. assault – Punching or. hitting. on the. face. is sure to bruise the. jaw.
- Dental. procedure – Certain. dental. procedures stretch the. jaw. and cause some. bruising.
- Car. accident – The. impact. can. bruise. the. jaw. as. it. hits. something. hard.
- Bruxism, tooth grinding or clenching – Repeated strong pressure can strain the muscles of the jaw and result in bruise-like pain.
Symptoms of a Bruised Jaw
Depends on the level of trauma to the jaw. Some of the universal symptoms are:
- Pain – Pain on speaking, chewing, or opening the mouth wide.
- Swelling – Swelling or tenderness of jaw skin.
- Discoloration – Blue, purple, or yellow discoloration of the healing bruise skin.
- Stiffness – Stiffness on spontaneous or opening movement of the mouth.
- Tenderness – Tenderness to jaw contact.
- Headaches – Pain from the jaw can also be referred to the temples or head.
- Difficulty chewing – Mastication of hard food will be extremely painful.
There may also be an occasional:
- Clicking or popping with jaw movement.
- Numbness or tingling if nerves are damaged.
- Earache owing to the closeness of the jaw joint to the ears.
How Long Does a Bruised Jaw Last
A bruised but not too severe jaw will recover in 1–2 weeks. The bruise will turn purple, green, and then yellow and finally disappear.
Healing may be weeks or months depending on the severity of injury or injury to bone or the joint.
Home Remedies for Bruised Jaw
Except in cases of minor jaw bruising, home remedy is sufficient. Some of the following remedies work:
- Cold compress – Place an ice pack or a damp cloth folded over an ice pack for 15–20 minutes, repeated several times daily, in the first 48 hours. It eases pain and swelling.
- Warm compress – Warm cloths could be used after 2 days to promote blood flow and make the bruise heal faster.
- Painkillers – Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, over-the-counter pain killers. It could be taken to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Soft foods – Baste on soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies to avoid straining the jaw.
- Resting the jaw – Avoid chewing gum, hard foods, or keeping the mouth too open.
- Elevation – Sleep with the head above the body to reduce swelling.
When to Call a Doctor
Most of the bruising of the jaw will resolve on its own, but occasionally bruising also indicates a more serious injury, such as a fracture. If you have:
- Persistent pain that does not resolve with rest and pain relievers.
- Trouble opening or closing the mouth.
- Loose or crooked teeth.
- Swelling that occurs rapidly or tilted-sounding jaw.
- Frequent clicking or locking of the jaw.
- Numbness or jaw swelling.
- Worsening swelling.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
These are indications of TMJ trauma, broken jaw, or jaw dislocation.
Medical Management of a Bruised Jaw
When you get the medical physician to visit you, he or she will:
- Check the jaw – To check for good movement, swelling, and position.
- Prescribe X-rays or CT scans – To rule out fracture or dislocation.
- Prescribe better pain medication – Prn.
- Prescribing jaw stabilization – Bandage or splint is rarely applied in certain situations.
- Refer to specialist – ENT physician or oral surgeon if it’s extremely damaged.
- Treatment of fractured jaw by surgery, wiring the closed jaw, or plates and screws for immobilization until healing.
Possible Complications
If bruised jaw is not treated or if the injury is intense, then the complications are:
- Jaw fracture – Total breaking of bone.
- TMJ disorder – Pain in the jaw and long-term stiffness.
- Infection – Wounds or cuts.
- Chronic pain – Pain that persists for a long time after recovery.
It is thus very important to manage the symptoms and treat them when needed.
Preventing Jaw Bruises
Though you may not be able to prevent accidents at all times. You can minimize the risk of jaw injury by simply being cautious:
- Wear mouthguards when engaging in contact sports.
- Wear a headgear when you are biking, skateboarding, or riding a motorcycle.
- Don’t fall on your face at home or work.
- Don’t get into fistfights and almost get yourself killed.
- See a dentist if you grind and clench your teeth at night—mouthguards can prevent jaw damage.
Living With a Bruised Jaw
A bruised jaw is a bother because eating, talking, and even smiling is a bit slower. But the rest, patience, correct care, and most individuals do get better. While recovering, give priority to:
- Consuming soft and nutritious foods.
- Fluctuating water intakes.
- Resting the jaw from tension.
- Relaxation methods if tension or bruxism cause jaw pain.
FAQs
How can I determine if my jaw is bruised or fractured?
A bruise will have pain, color, and swelling but still a movable jaw. A broken jaw will generally cause too much pain, crooked set, or mouth refusing to close. Only X-ray will be sure.
Will a bruised jaw heal on its own?
Yes, minor bruises will heal on their own in 1–2 weeks with home rest and care.
What not to do when having a bruised jaw?
Avoid gum chewing, screaming, eating hard food, or opening your mouth wide.
Will a bruised jaw cause a headache?
Yes, headache is frequently referred to by jaw pain and may be diagnosed as tension headache.
Do I need to consult a dentist for a bruised jaw?
Yes, with pain of mastication, tooth angulation, or clicks. TMJ or dental trauma may be screened by dentists.
A bruised jaw may not always be a serious injury but will be tender and will limit activities of daily living. Most bruises are managed by home care such as ice, bland diet, and rest within two weeks’ time. Referral of the patient to the doctor or dentist for poor or deteriorating symptoms is indicated.
Don’t play with your jaw, don’t be crazy, and you’ll get treated the way you deserve. You’ll be okay in no time and won’t have problems later. Your jaw is yours—take care of it well.
