Jaw Fracture in Adults
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
A jaw fracture is a break in your jawbone. It may take weeks or months for the jawbone to heal. You will need to protect your jaw and care for your mouth while the bones heal.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
- You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough. You may cough up blood.
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You have a severe headache.
- You have numbness in your face.
- You have jaw pain that does not go away with medicine.
- The wires in your mouth are loose.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain. Acetaminophen is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take this medicine.
- Antibiotics may be given if you have an open wound. Antibiotic medicine is used to treat an infection caused by bacteria.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
You may need to see a specialist to fix damaged or broken teeth. Treatment may also be needed if your upper and lower teeth are not aligned properly because of your injury. Write down your questions so you will remember to ask them during your visits.
Manage your jaw fracture:
- Apply ice. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you place it on your face. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
- Eat soft or blenderized foods as directed. If your jaw is wired, you will need to eat foods that have been blended with liquids. You will have to eat these foods through a syringe or straw. If your mouth is not wired, you may need to eat only soft foods. Some examples are applesauce, bananas, cooked cereal, cottage cheese, gelatin, pudding, and yogurt. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about the type of foods you can eat.
- Clean your mouth 4 to 6 times each day. Healthcare providers will show you how to do this. Mouth cleaning will remove pieces of food and clean your teeth. A child-sized soft toothbrush will help you reach all parts of your teeth more easily. A water flosser will help remove bits of food and particles from between your teeth. Apply petroleum jelly to your lips to keep them from becoming chapped.
- Do not play sports while your jaw heals. The fractured jaw may bleed, bruise easily, or break again. Ask your healthcare provider when it is safe for you to play sports again.
- Do not put pressure on your jaw. Do not push on your jaw or let anything push on it. Sleep on your back.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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