Golgappa Bite Leaves Woman’s Jaw Locked Open in UP
A woman from Uttar Pradesh experienced a rare jaw dislocation while eating golgappas, leaving her unable to close her mouth and in need of urgent medical care. The incident occurred in Auraiya district and has drawn attention to the risks of excessive mouth opening during eating.
Inkala Devi, aged 42 and a resident of Gauri Kishanpur village in the Dibiyapur area, was staying near a hospital for family reasons. While eating golgappas, she opened her mouth widely to take a bite and suddenly found that she could not close it again.
How the Incident Happened
According to her relatives, the event took place suddenly. She sat down to eat, opened her mouth for a golgappa, and her jaw locked in an open position.
Her niece-in-law, who was close to delivering a baby, and other family members saw the incident happen in front of them.
Savitri, a family member, told that they initially assumed it was normal pain. However, when her mouth remained stuck open, they rushed her to the nearby District Joint Hospital.
Hospital Response and Current Condition
Doctors at the district hospital, including Dr. Manoj Kumar and Dr. Shatrughan Singh, tried repeatedly to reposition her jaw. Despite multiple attempts, the jaw could not be restored to its normal position.
Because of the complexity of the case, she was referred to Chicholi Medical College, which is better equipped for advanced treatment.
Hospital officials stated that her condition is critical, and she is currently receiving specialist care to stabilise her jaw and relieve persistent discomfort.
Dr. Manoj Kumar explained that such cases are extremely uncommon and usually occur due to excessive mouth opening, which may strain or shift structures within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Why Jaw Dislocation Can Happen While Eating
A jaw dislocation while eating golgappas or other wide foods occurs when the lower jawbone (mandible) moves out of its normal position.
This can happen unexpectedly during:
- Biting large or wide foods
- Yawning
- Stretching the mouth too far
Specialists explain that factors such as loose ligaments, misalignment of the jaw joint, or a displaced TMJ disc can increase the risk of sudden jaw lock.
What Is Jaw Lock?
Jaw lock is a condition where the jaw becomes stuck and cannot move properly. It is generally divided into two types:
- Open jaw lock: The mouth remains open and cannot close.
- Closed jaw lock: The mouth cannot open fully or opens only slightly.
Both conditions may cause pain around the ear, discomfort while chewing, and difficulty performing normal mouth movements.
Common Symptoms of a Locked Jaw
People experiencing jaw lock may notice:
- Inability to open or close the mouth normally
- Pain in front of the ear or along the jaw
- Sharp discomfort while biting or chewing
- Sudden locking during yawning or wide eating
Doctors Advise Caution During Wide Mouth Opening
Dr. Manoj Kumar noted that individuals who already feel jaw stiffness, pain, or difficulty opening the mouth should avoid forcing it. Eating slowly, breaking larger foods into smaller bites, and consulting a dental or TMJ specialist for persistent jaw problems can help prevent such emergencies.
This case, he added, is one of the rarest he has encountered in his medical career.
Conclusion
The medical team at Chicholi Medical College continues to work on stabilising the patient and restoring normal jaw function.
This unusual case of jaw dislocation while eating golgappas serves as an important reminder to eat carefully, especially for individuals with existing jaw issues.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 3 December 2025
- 15:02
