A swollen or bruised face Problems opening your mouth wide or closing your mouth Loose or damaged teeth Numbness on your face, particularly in your lower lip area Jaw pain or tenderness that is worse when you bite or chew Bleeding from your mouth Pain in your face or jaw that gets worse when you move A lump or abnormal appearance of your cheek or jaw Upper and lower teeth do not match up when you bite down
Keeping your jaw stabilized can prevent any further injury until you can get to the emergency room. If you do not have a bandage, try using a scarf, neck tie, or handkerchief.
Lightly place the compress on your jaw. Too much pressure can cause more pain and damage. If you don’t have an ice pack or compress, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables, like peas or corn.
Because your jaw is broken, your tongue has lost support and you may have trouble breathing. If you are having any trouble breathing, call 911 immediately. Take along a plastic cup while you are in transit. This will be what you can spit saliva or blood into while you are on your way to see a professional. The doctor may also order a CT scan to evaluate your jaw.
If you have surgery, it may take one or two months to heal.
If your jaw was dislocated, the doctor will place it back into the correct position and bandage your jaw to stabilize it. You should avoid opening your mouth widely for at least 6 weeks if the doctor had to reset your jaw. If you feel pain when you yawn or sneeze, support your jaw with your hands.
Let your doctor know of any other medications you are taking. This can prevent any adverse drug reactions.
Increased pain or swelling may indicate that you have an infection.
Remove skins, seeds, and peels before you blend them. Cook meat and vegetables before you blend them. You can add juice, broth, or gravy to thin out a mixture. Avoid blending foods with small seeds such as blackberries and strawberries. Don’t blend raw eggs. Use powdered eggs instead. You can continue to eat many of the foods that you liked before. For example, if you like spaghetti and meatballs, prepare the dish and then put it in a blender.
Powdered milk and protein powder Sweets such as honey, ice cream, molasses, or sugar Extra fats such as sour cream, cream cheese, nut butters, cream, and half-and-half.
A child sized toothbrush may work better until your jaw heals. The head of the brush is smaller, and it will be more comfortable than an adult toothbrush. Good oral care will prevent tooth decay, food buildup, and bad breath. [15] X Research source Your doctor may prescribe a special mouth rinse for you to use. Always follow your doctor’s instructions if this is the case. Once you have finished brushing apply lip balm or Vaseline to prevent dry, cracked lips.
Ask your doctor what activities are okay for you to engage in. Walking after surgery is encouraged and is usually a safe activity. [17] X Research source If you have surgery, avoid water related activities like swimming because it will be difficult to remove water from your nose and airway. [18] X Research source
Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking Red streaks in your jaw area A fever Pus draining from your jaw Your mouth is bleeding Your jaw does not seem to get any better
