A broken jaw is one of the more serious facial injuries, and after the head it is among the more commonly fractured parts of the face. It usually follows a heavy blow, a fall, a sports collision or a car accident. While the teeth and bite are involved, a suspected broken jaw is a medical emergency first and a dental problem second, because in severe cases the airway can be at risk. Knowing the signs and the right first aid can keep someone safe on the way to hospital.
This guide explains how to recognise a likely jaw fracture, what to do straight away, the warning signs that mean call 000, and what treatment and recovery involve.
Key takeaways
- A suspected broken jaw is a hospital emergency. The priority is getting to an emergency department.
- Common signs are pain, a bite that suddenly does not meet, trouble opening the mouth, a numb lower lip or chin, and bruising under the tongue.
- The main danger in a severe fracture is the airway, because the jaw supports the tongue. Breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or major swelling means call 000.
- On the way to hospital, gently support the jaw, apply a cold pack, and keep the person upright and able to clear their mouth.
- Minor fractures may heal with rest and a soft diet. Larger ones often need surgery, sometimes with the jaws held together for several weeks.
- Do not eat or drink until assessed, in case surgery is needed.
The one rule: treat it as an emergency and get to hospital
If a jaw injury is bad enough that you suspect a fracture, treat it as an emergency and head to a hospital emergency department rather than waiting for a dental appointment. Jaw fractures need imaging and often surgical management that only a hospital can provide. More importantly, a severe fracture can compromise breathing, so this is not an injury to manage at home or to sleep on overnight. If there is any difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or the person is drowsy or has a head injury, call 000 immediately.
Signs of a broken jaw
| Sign | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| Pain that worsens with moving or biting | The most common symptom after a jaw injury |
| Teeth that suddenly do not meet properly | A change in the bite is a strong clue to a fracture |
| Cannot open the mouth fully, or it locks to one side | Disrupted jaw movement |
| Numb lower lip or chin | A nerve running through the jaw may be affected |
| Bruising or bleeding under the tongue | A classic sign of a lower jaw fracture |
| Loose or missing teeth, swelling, or a change in face shape | Local damage from the impact |
First aid on the way to hospital
While arranging transport to the emergency department, a few simple steps help. Gently support the lower jaw with your hands or, if needed, wrap a bandage under the jaw and over the top of the head to limit movement, making sure it can be removed quickly if the person needs to be sick. Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling. Keep the person sitting up and leaning slightly forward so blood and saliva can drain rather than pool at the back of the throat. Do not give food or drink, since a general anaesthetic may be needed, and do not try to force the jaw back into position. If a tooth has also been knocked out, see our guides on knocked-out tooth first aid and how to store the tooth, but the jaw injury takes priority.
The airway is the real danger
The reason a broken jaw is taken so seriously is the airway. The lower jaw supports the tongue, so a severe fracture can let the tongue fall back and partly block breathing, especially if the person is lying flat or is drowsy. This is why keeping someone upright and alert matters, and why any sign of breathing difficulty, noisy breathing, or heavy bleeding into the mouth is a reason to call 000 without delay. Combative or confused behaviour after a facial injury can also signal a head injury that needs urgent assessment.
What treatment involves
At hospital, the jaw is examined and imaged to confirm the fracture and its pattern. A minor, stable fracture may heal on its own with pain relief, rest and a soft or liquid diet for a few weeks. Larger or displaced fractures usually need surgery. The bone may be fixed with small plates and screws, or the upper and lower teeth may be wired or banded together to hold the jaw still while it heals, often for around six to eight weeks. During healing, a soft diet, careful oral hygiene and avoiding contact sport are all important. Persistent jaw pain after an injury, even without an obvious fracture, is worth checking, and our guide to cracked tooth problems covers a related cause of bite pain.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my jaw is broken or just bruised?
You often cannot tell for certain without imaging. A bite that no longer meets, inability to open the mouth, numbness of the lip or chin, or bruising under the tongue all point to a possible fracture and mean you should be assessed at hospital.
Should I go to the dentist or the hospital?
For a suspected fracture, go to a hospital emergency department. Jaw fractures need imaging and often surgery. Your dentist can help afterwards with the teeth and bite, but the fracture itself is managed in hospital.
Can a broken jaw heal without surgery?
Some minor, stable fractures heal with rest, pain relief and a soft diet alone. Displaced or unstable fractures usually need surgical fixation or the jaws held together while they heal.
What can I eat with a broken jaw?
Until you are assessed, nothing, in case an anaesthetic is needed. After treatment, a soft or liquid diet is usual for several weeks, with advice tailored to your injury and any wiring in place.
A broken jaw is frightening, but quick, calm action and an early trip to hospital give the best outcome. Once the fracture is treated, the team at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park can help with the teeth, bite and ongoing care. See our related emergency guides on facial swelling from infection and managing a toothache. Current new patient information is on our offers page.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for urgent medical care. For a suspected broken jaw, go to hospital, and call 000 if breathing is affected or bleeding is heavy.
