Expert: Alan Kahn - 10/16/2008

Question
Hi, I am 20 and have been getting really interested in boxing recently mainly due to the recommendation of friends; however, back in high school I had a wisdom tooth removed and the dentist broke my jaw. My jaw will now make a popping noise when I open my mouth real wide which makes it seem like it didnt heal right. This is on my left cheek. Do you think that I will be able to box, or will I have a "glass jaw"? By the way, I would be fighting in cruiserweight. I weigh about 198lbs and am 6'1". Thank you for your advice.

Answer
HI Will,

That is a very good question. It sounds like the tooth was removed several years ago, and most bones are well healed in that time, however the jaw of a boxer has a lot of risk in getting a full power blow. It might also depend on where in the jaw the actual break occurred. I would defer this to a sports related orthodontist or oral surgeon to take an X-ray and do a range of motion, movement evaluation to see if you have any additional risk of injury. I know that would cost a bit on the front end, but not as much as trying to repair a bad break of dislocation afterward.

Good Luck and please be extra cautious with your decision before you get a thorough evaluation.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible