Overview

A dislocated jaw happens when the lower jawbone is pulled apart from one or both of the joints that connect the jaw to the base of the skull. This can cause problems even if the jaw pops back into place.

A dislocated jaw can happen when your child hurts their face. Less often it can happen from opening the mouth too wide.

Your child's jaw may feel stiff, swollen, and sore. It is important that your child not hurt the jaw again while your child is healing. Make sure that your child does not try to open their mouth too wide. You may wrap a bandage around the jaw to help support it. Be sure your child wears the bandage as the doctor directs.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Try using heat or ice to see if that helps. Use an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Put a thin cloth between the ice pack and your child's skin. Or try a heating pad on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
• If your child's jaw is swollen, try putting three or four pillows under your child's head and shoulders at bedtime. This can reduce swelling.
• Give your child soft foods that are easy to chew to reduce jaw and mouth pain. Avoid giving your child hot foods or beverages, which may increase swelling around the mouth.
• Help your child avoid any activity that might hurt the jaw again. Teach your child how to support the jaw with their hands when yawning or sneezing for at least 3 weeks after the injury.