Jaw pain when you chew after a car crash

Insights from an orofacial pain dentist and an oral surgeon

For survivors and families3 min read

Face and mouth injuriesJaw painTMJ disorderDental carePain management

Your jaw joints sit just in front of your ears. The muscles around them help you chew and talk. After a crash, jaw pain may stem from a direct blow, a strained muscle or a tooth problem. It may also come from a temporomandibular disorder, a problem with the jaw joint and the muscles that move it. [1, 2]

Clicking without pain is common and may not need treatment. Get an exam if chewing hurts, you can’t open wide or your bite has changed. The cause matters. A broken jaw needs different care than a sore jaw muscle. [1, 2]

Have your bite and whole face checked

Tell your dentist or surgeon if your teeth come together differently or your mouth won’t open or close the usual way. Also mention if your chin and lip feel numb. Bring up any broken teeth and pain in front of either ear. Ask if you need jaw imaging to rule out a break. [1, 2]

A break or dislocation may already have been ruled out. In that case, ask what seems to be driving the symptoms. It could be the joint, the chewing muscles or the teeth. [1, 2]

Begin with steps you can undo

For many jaw disorders, the first steps are simple. Eat softer foods for a short time. Skip gum and try not to yawn wide. Ask about gentle jaw movement or physical therapy. [1]

Talk about pain medicine with a doctor who knows about your other crash injuries and the medicines you take. Avoid permanent changes to your teeth or bite just to treat jaw pain with no clear cause. Keep track of how wide your mouth opens and which meals hurt. [1]

Signs that need prompt care

Get urgent care for trouble breathing or swallowing, severe swelling or a jaw stuck open. A major new change in your bite also needs urgent care. Call your care team if your mouth opens less and less or pain keeps you from eating. Call, too, if symptoms last even after the first plan. [1, 2]

What to ask about your jaw

  1. Did the exam rule out a fracture, a dislocation and a dental injury?
  2. Which reversible treatment should I start with?
  3. How will we tell if my eating and mouth opening get better?

Keep notes on your bite and pain triggers

Jot down how your bite feels. Note which foods or movements set off the pain. [1]

Sources and further reading

  1. 1National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research TMD
  2. 2Hull University Teaching Hospitals lower jaw fracture

This is general information from orofacial pain dentistry and oral surgery. See a doctor first about a new bite change, a mouth that won’t close or a major face injury. Those need a check for a fracture or dislocation before routine jaw pain care.

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