A fall, a stray elbow in a game or a knock to the chin can leave the jaw stiff and reluctant to open. For anyone travelling from Acton, we check the teeth, muscles and joint after an injury and explain what care is appropriate.
Injuries to the face rarely happen at a convenient time: a slip on ice, a collision on the field, a tumble from a bike. Afterwards the jaw may ache, the bite may feel slightly off and opening can be limited. Some of this is bruising that settles; some needs prompt attention. Telling the two apart is the first job of an assessment.
Even after an obvious injury, the injury may not be the whole explanation. Muscle guarding, a jaw joint that has started catching, a cracked or loosened tooth that later becomes inflamed, and older problems such as earlier jaw trouble or previous head and neck treatment can all contribute. Describing exactly what happened, and what has changed since, steers the examination.
From Acton, calling first lets the team decide how soon you need to be seen and whether another setting would be better. You won’t be asked to force your jaw open to show the damage. Explain what feels comfortable, how your bite feels and whether eating, drinking or brushing has become difficult.
These points help the team judge urgency. Swelling, a change in your bite, or rapidly worsening opening should be mentioned straight away, not saved for a later checkup.
Say whether it stops sharply, feels stiff the whole way or varies between tries. Mention whether it has jammed in an open or closed position and how long that went on. Please don’t keep testing a painful catch to see if it’s still there.
Explain what you’ve managed to eat and drink and whether you can brush without pain. If drinking or basic cleaning isn’t possible, ask for advice promptly. These details also help the clinician plan a gentle examination.
Describe how the injury happened, whether teeth were chipped or loosened and whether swelling followed. Earlier jaw problems, recent dental treatment and any past surgery or radiation to the head or neck are also relevant, and may mean involving another clinician.
Get urgent assessment for a locked jaw, a sudden severe restriction, a bite that has clearly shifted or being unable to manage food and drink. Breathing or swallowing problems, fast-spreading swelling or swelling near the eye need emergency medical care; call 911 if it is immediate.
Your opening may be measured at the visit, which gives a starting point for judging whether things are settling. A number by itself can’t say whether you have bruising, a tooth injury or a joint problem, though. Ask how the measurement fits your account of the injury and the other findings. If uncertainty remains, ask what further information would help.
We also consider what dental care you might need while your jaw is limited, including any damaged teeth. Let the clinician know which positions are painful and agree a signal for stopping. If not everything can be examined today, find out what was checked safely and when the rest will be looked at.
Patient information: NIDCR — assessment and management of temporomandibular disorders
The dentist watches how your jaw moves and listens to where you feel resistance or pain. Say when you reach your comfortable limit. Forcing an injured jaw wider would add discomfort without making the assessment any more useful.
A blow to the face can affect teeth, gums, lips and muscles at once. Ask which findings support the explanation offered and whether imaging is needed. Assuming the joint is the only issue could mean missing a tooth injury or another problem.
Agree what getting better would mean for you, for instance chewing normally or brushing without wincing. Set a review time and decide which changes should bring you in sooner. A plan is easier to keep when you know its purpose.
Telling us about the injury is enough; there’s no need to repeat painful movements. If opening wide enough for an exam is hard, mention it when you book so the visit can be prepared.
We ask how and when the injury happened and whether stiffness is easing, worsening or changing. Medicines, recent dental work and general health are reviewed. If you were seen at a hospital or clinic, bring any paperwork or contact details.
The dentist looks at your comfortable range and checks teeth, gums and related structures. Point out where it hurts and whether symptoms are spreading. Breaks are fine; anything that couldn’t be examined should be noted clearly.
You’ll hear what seems likely and what is still uncertain. X-rays or referral are recommended when they’d answer a specific question, such as whether a tooth or bone is involved. Ask how a test could change the plan and who else may need to assess you.
Confirm interim advice, what any treatment aims to do and how recovery will be monitored. If exercises are suggested later, ask for instructions suited to your diagnosis. Know whom to contact if symptoms worsen or new ones appear.
Home advice should follow what the assessment finds. A routine written for recovery after a particular operation may not suit an injured or unexplained restriction, even though both reduce opening.
Avoid forcing your jaw with fingers or objects and don’t repeat painful movements to test it. If a movement programme is prescribed later, check technique, frequency and when to stop. If it worsens pain, phone the clinician instead of doing more.
Keep brief notes on how meals, drinks, brushing and comfort are going, and when symptoms appear. That helps at review. Measuring repeatedly or setting off a lock deliberately isn’t needed; ordinary activities show how recovery is going.
If an injured area is too sore to brush or you can’t get enough to eat and drink, tell us. The team can suggest adjustments or further assessment. Don’t put off needed care thinking your jaw must recover before anyone can help.
Patient information: Guy's and St Thomas' — jaw opening advice after relevant medical treatment
These answers help you prepare. A new severe restriction, or difficulty keeping up with food and fluids, should prompt a phone call for timely advice rather than an online request alone.
Reach our Bronte Street practice at (905) 876-4488 to arrange an assessment. Mention locking, swelling, a changed bite or trouble eating and drinking, so the team can gauge urgency and point you to the right next step.
Causes, the care needed, any referral and recovery differ from case to case. Online requests are for non-urgent enquiries and cannot replace urgent assessment when symptoms are severe or getting worse.
