The infamous jawbreaker candy, known for its hard exterior and long-lasting chew, recently lived up to its name, leaving a 19-year-old college student with a fractured jaw in two places. Javeria Wasim, a business administration student in the U.K., endured a six-week ordeal of having her jaw wired shut and subsisting on a liquid diet after attempting to bite into the oversized candy. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of hard candies and the importance of enjoying treats responsibly.
A Candy Challenge Gone Wrong
Wasim’s jaw-breaking experience began during a shopping trip with a friend. Drawn to the challenge of the aptly named jawbreaker, they purchased the largest size available – a candy as big as a cue ball. According to Wasim’s interview with Kennedy News and Media, reported by The Daily Mail, they even jokingly questioned the shopkeeper about the candy’s name, asking if it was actually possible to bite into it.
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Instead of savoring the candy slowly, Wasim attempted to bite into it shortly after returning to her dorm. The result was immediate and excruciating. “I bit into it and only made a hole, and my jaw started to hurt,” she recounted. Her friend noticed a chipped tooth, a harbinger of the more serious damage to come. The pain quickly escalated, leading to a tearful ambulance ride and a hospital visit.
Diagnosis and Difficult Recovery
At the hospital, a CT scan and X-ray confirmed the severity of the injury: a double jaw fracture. Wasim was shocked, having initially believed the chipped tooth was the extent of the damage. Surgery was required to repair the fractures, and her jaw was wired shut for six weeks to allow for proper healing.
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The recovery process was arduous. Confined to a liquid diet of protein shakes and soups, Wasim lost seven pounds in the first two weeks. She described the constant hunger, frustration, and inability to perform simple tasks like licking her lips or using her teeth to open things. “All I can think about is how hungry I am,” she confessed during the ordeal. “I took the feeling of being full for granted.”
Lessons Learned and Long-Term Impact
Finally, on December 23rd, Wasim’s jaw was unwired. However, the ordeal wasn’t over. The jawbreaker had also damaged her teeth, leaving gaps and misalignment that require further dental work, including braces. Reflecting on the experience, Wasim acknowledged the avoidable nature of her injury. “It was such a stupid thing,” she admitted. “People break their jaws in car accidents and fights, this was such an avoidable way to break your jaw.”
Wasim’s story highlights the importance of heeding warnings, even those implied in a candy’s name. While jawbreakers are intended to be enjoyed slowly, dissolving over time, Wasim’s impulsive bite led to significant consequences. Her experience serves as a reminder to approach even seemingly harmless treats with caution and to prioritize safety over the thrill of a challenge. The six weeks of suffering she endured far outweighed the brief satisfaction of attempting to conquer the jawbreaker.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jawbreakers
What is a jawbreaker candy?
A jawbreaker is a hard candy typically spherical in shape and consisting of multiple layers. They are known for their extreme hardness and long-lasting flavor, designed to be dissolved in the mouth over an extended period.
Are jawbreakers dangerous?
While not inherently dangerous when consumed as intended, jawbreakers can pose risks if bitten forcefully. Their hardness can cause dental damage, including chipped or broken teeth, and in extreme cases, jaw fractures, as demonstrated by Wasim’s experience.
How should jawbreakers be eaten?
Jawbreakers should be allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Avoid biting or crunching on them, as this can lead to injury. Enjoy the long-lasting flavor and changing colors as the layers dissolve.
What should I do if I experience jaw pain after biting a hard candy?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent jaw pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth after biting a hard candy. These could be signs of a serious injury requiring professional treatment.
