3 Ways a Broken Jaw Can Affect Your Oral Health

A direct blow to the mandible or another part of the jaw can cause these bones to break just like other bones in your body. A broken jaw can occur:

• If your chin hits the dash during an automobile accident
• If you are punched directly in the jaw
• If you fall and hit your jaw on the ground

Unfortunately, a broken jaw can lead to a lot of oral health issues that have to be corrected. Take a look at some of the common ways a broken jaw can affect your oral health.

You Could Develop a TMJ Disorder

TMJ (Temporomandibular) disorders are disorders that affect the jaw joints and muscles that are responsible for things like biting, chewing, and speaking. People who have had a broken jaw are more prone to TMJ disorders. These disorders are commonly linked to cracking and popping when you speak or chew, pain in the jaw, and tension in the jaw muscles that make it difficult to use your mouth.

Your Bite Alignment Could Be Altered

One of the most common issues in patients who have sustained a broken jaw is the alignment of their bite. You may notice that your teeth do not connect when you close your mouth, that your lower teeth have shifted sideways or forward, or other issues with bite alignment. These issues stem from the shift of the mandible, which can be slight or quite substantial with severe breaks. Over time, this change in the bite alignment can be hard on your teeth because you will naturally chew awkwardly when you eat.

Your Speech Could Change

Many people who suffer a broken jaw develop numbness in their lower lip or even in their chin or tongue. There is a series of nerves that run through the mandible, and certain fractures can impede upon these nerves. Unfortunately, if the nerves are affected and you do not get proper treatment, it can affect your speech for the long term.

Reach Out To Heritage Oral Surgery & Implant Centers for Advice

A broken jaw is not something you should ignore. The jaw must be carefully reset and monitored for proper healing afterward. If you have issues due to a broken jaw, reach out to us at Heritage Oral Health & Implant Centers for an appointment.