A routine street food stop in Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh, turned into a terrifying ordeal when a woman’s jaw dislocated while eating a golgappa. What began as a simple craving for the popular Indian snack quickly escalated into a serious medical emergency. The sudden dislocation left her mouth stuck open, causing intense pain and discomfort. Family members rushed her to a nearby clinic, but doctors struggled to manage the severity of the situation and soon referred her to a higher medical facility for specialised care. The entire incident was captured on video and has since gone viral, sparking shock and concern among pani-puri lovers nationwide. Experts are now urging caution when consuming large portions of street food.
UP woman’s golgappa bite turns painful jaw dislocation into medical emergency
Inkila Devi, a resident of Auraiya, was visiting a local clinic accompanied by a family member when the pair decided to stop at a roadside golgappa stall. The plan was simple—quench their thirst and enjoy a few crispy, tangy golgappas before returning home. While her companion finished their serving without any trouble, Inkila’s attempt to bite into a particularly large golgappa triggered an unexpected medical crisis.As soon as she tried to take a bite, her jaw suddenly dislocated. The lower jawbone slipped out of its normal position, leaving her mouth stuck open. The sudden onset of pain and discomfort left Inkila in shock, and her family rushed her back to the clinic immediately.
Sudden jaw dislocation forces immediate referral to higher medical facility
Doctors at the local clinic acted swiftly to provide first aid. However, they soon realised that the jaw dislocation was severe and could not be resolved with simple measures. The unusual severity of the dislocation made it impossible to close her mouth fully, leaving the medical team momentarily helpless. Due to the complexity of the case, Inkila was referred to a higher medical facility for specialised treatment.Her family members confirmed that Inkila had never experienced such an incident before. Medical experts emphasised that jaw dislocations, though relatively rare, can occur suddenly and are extremely painful. Such cases often require prompt intervention to prevent long-term complications.
Understanding jaw dislocation
A dislocated jaw, medically known as a mandibular dislocation, occurs when the lower jawbone, or mandible, is forced out of its normal position at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects the jaw to the skull and allows smooth movement for talking, chewing, and yawning. When the jaw becomes dislocated, the mouth cannot close properly, resulting in severe pain, difficulty speaking, and problems with swallowing.Jaw dislocations can happen due to trauma, excessive mouth opening, or sudden force, such as biting into a large food item. Immediate medical attention is crucial. In most cases, doctors will carefully manipulate the jaw back into its proper position, sometimes using sedation to minimise pain. Severe cases may require imaging studies or specialised surgical care to ensure proper realignment.
Dangers of oversized snacks
While golgappas are among India’s most cherished street foods, this incident serves as a cautionary tale for snack lovers. Experts recommend enjoying golgappas in moderation and avoiding excessively large portions that could strain the jaw. Mindful eating, chewing slowly, and taking smaller bites can prevent similar accidents and allow people to enjoy their favourite treats safely.Street foods are a source of joy and social bonding, but they also require a degree of care. Awareness of potential risks, especially for those with underlying jaw conditions or previous dislocations, is essential.Also Read | Powerful food combinations that improve heart, bone, and brain health from morning meals to evening dinners
