A 38-year-old member asked:
Are there some causes of a dislocated jaw?
4 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in

Dr. Richard Rudenanswered
Dentistry 39 years experience
Many causes: A dislocated jaw can be caused by forceful yawning or by some sort of trauma or impact with the face. Common causes of jaw dislocation include a punch to the face, sports injuries, and car accidents.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Joshua Cochrananswered
Dentistry 12 years experience
Also, TMJ: A malfunctioning TMJ (temporomandibular joint) can make you more prone to jaw dislocations from everyday activities such as a deep yawn mentioned by dr. Richard.
Imagine your jaw joint like your knee joint: two pieces of bone separated by a disc. When you open your jaw wide for chewing or yawning, that disc may temporarily pop out to the side creating bone-on-bone contact, or a "stuck" jaw.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Louis Galliaanswered
Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial 46 years experience
A few things: Causes of Jaw dislocation are not completely understood.. Causes may include, misalignment (malocclusion) of or trauma to the teeth or jaw, teeth grinding (bruxism),, poor posture, stress or anxiety, arthritis or other inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders, excessive gum chewing. Treatment can be complex and beyond the scope of this answer. See a TMJ expert for guidance.
3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Paul Grinanswered
Pain Management 37 years experience
See an OMS: A dislocated jaw may be caused by forceful yawning or by an impact or trauma and joint hypermobility syndrome. Occasionally, a dislocated jaw can result in bleeding or difficulty breathing and must be treated in an emergency setting by oral surgeon.
3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 34-year-old member asked:
What can I do for a dislocated jaw?
15 doctor answers • 20 doctors weighed in

Dr. Media Najafianswered
Dentistry 23 years experience
TMJ specialist: Find a TMJ specialist in your area. Perhaps call your dentist and ask for referral. If you can't find one in your area look for an oral surgeon to do an exam and propose treatment. Hope that helps.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 12, 2018
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