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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Difficulty In Chewing Post An Injury?

I fell and hit on the bottom of my chin and skinned one side of my face. I had several stitches in my chin and a ct scan to check for any facial fractures. The scan showed no fractures or dislocations, however, I am still unable to completely close my teeth together to chew. After several days I’m still sipping through a straw. It truly feels like there is something wrong with the joints in the back of my jaw that opens and closes my mouth. I have no trouble opening my mouth, just can’t close it enough to bite. Since the ct scan shows no fracture or dislocation could this problem be caused from swelling and will go away in a few days?
Fri, 29 Dec 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

Difficulty in opening and closing the mouth after injury to the chin when there is no fracture or dislocation can be ruled out is most probably due to swelling of the soft tissues along with stiffness of the muscles..

So my suggestion is to consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated..

You can be advised anti inflammatory painkillers and muscle relaxants for relief..

Also take soft diet and more of semi-solid foods for avoiding straining of the jaw and soft tissues of cheek..

Do alternate warm and cool compresses for relief..

Hope this helps..

Regards.
I find this answer helpful
Dentist,  Dr. Honey Arora's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

Difficulty in opening and closing the mouth after injury to the chin when there is no fracture or dislocation can be ruled out is most probably due to swelling of the soft tissues along with stiffness of the muscles..

So my suggestion is to consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated..

You can be advised anti inflammatory painkillers and muscle relaxants for relief..

Also take soft diet and more of semi-solid foods for avoiding straining of the jaw and soft tissues of cheek..

Do alternate warm and cool compresses for relief..

Hope this helps..

Regards.
I find this answer helpful
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What Causes Difficulty In Chewing Post An Injury?

Hi.. Thanks for the query.. Difficulty in opening and closing the mouth after injury to the chin when there is no fracture or dislocation can be ruled out is most probably due to swelling of the soft tissues along with stiffness of the muscles.. So my suggestion is to consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated.. You can be advised anti inflammatory painkillers and muscle relaxants for relief.. Also take soft diet and more of semi-solid foods for avoiding straining of the jaw and soft tissues of cheek.. Do alternate warm and cool compresses for relief.. Hope this helps.. Regards.