Generally, trismus is gradually alleviated or disappears within approximately 1 to 2 weeks post-operatively; however, in very rare cases, trismus persists for >1 month.
Several techniques are useful, including the use of tongue depressors of serially increasing size inserted between the incisors or the molars. Patients need to know that trismus that occurs 1 year after treatment will be permanent and that there is no good surgical or medical therapy.
Common medications for trismus include muscle relaxers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may prescribe oral medications or drugs that require injection into the jaw. Some forms of NSAIDs are also available over the counter.
But left untreated, trismus can affect people's ability to eat and regain strength after treatment. It can affect their ability to communicate, making them feel frustrated or isolated. If cancer treatment makes it hard for you to open your mouth, let your healthcare provider know.
Trismus usually resolves itself in less than two weeks, but it can be very painful in the meantime. Permanent trismus can occur too. Whether trismus is around for days or months, daily exercises and massaging can ease the pain.
The 3 Finger Test
A quick and easy way to identify a possible case of Trismus is to place three of your fingers, stacked, between your upper and lower teeth, or dentures. If the mouth can open wide enough to accommodate them comfortably, then Trismus is unlikely to be a problem.
If you feel like you might have Trismus or lockjaw, it is important that you visit an ENT hospital. They might refer you to a dental surgeon and an orthopedician, based on the severity of the condition.
Trismus caused by inflammation resolves by itself in due course, without need of any intervention. Whereas, when there is infection, trismus persists for a prolonged duration and it may even aggravate. This can be controlled by prescribing antibiotics.
Symptoms include the reduced range of motion you experienced, pain or cramping in the jaw that occurs with or without movement, and pain or difficulty when exerting pressure, as when eating. Whether or not your jaw problem is due to TMD or trismus, we urge you to see your doctor or a TMD specialist for diagnosis.
Generally, trismus is gradually alleviated or disappears within approximately 1 to 2 weeks post-operatively; however, in very rare cases, trismus persists for >1 month.
Common causes
Pericoronitis (inflammation of soft tissue around impacted third molar) is the most common cause of trismus. Inflammation of muscles of mastication. It is a frequent sequel to surgical removal of mandibular third molars (lower wisdom teeth).
Severe trismus makes it difficult or impossible to insert dentures. It may make physical re-examination difficult, if limited mouth opening precludes adequate visualization of the site. Oral hygiene is compromised, chewing and swallowing is more difficult, and there is an increased risk of aspiration.
Suggest taking analgesics: ASA or acetamiophen 325 mg, 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hrs; or ibuprofen 200 mg, 1-2 tablets every 4 hrs. Muscle relaxants may be used in combination with analgesics or alone. Benzodiazepines may also be used, such as diazepam (2-5 mg, 3 times/day).
Muscle relaxants - In extensive masticatory muscle spasm, benzodiazepines 2.5–5mg 3 times a day may be indicated. 5. Antibiotics is indicated only if trismus has been attributed to infection.
Your healthcare provider may suggest using ice and heat. Ice helps reduce swelling and pain. Heat helps relax muscles, increasing blood flow. Use a gel pack or cold pack for severe pain.
Sugar free chewing gum may be helpful to keep your jaw moving. Chewing gum that contains xylitol will help to protect your teeth from dental decay. Check with your Speech and Language Therapist that it is safe for you to chew gum. Keep help prevent your jaw from becoming stiff, exercise your jaw muscles as follows.
Trismus is commonly referred to as lockjaw and is usually due to sustained tetanic spasms of the muscles of mastication. Although it was initially described in the setting of tetanus, it is now used to refer to a bilateral restriction in mouth opening from any cause.
If you are experiencing issues such as jaw clicking and locking, you may have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (usually referred to as TMJ/TMD). TMJ/TMD occurs when the temporomandibular joint becomes damaged or inflamed due to an injury, inflammatory disorders, and other such issues.
Trismus is a painful condition that restricts normal mandibular movement and function as a result of masticatory musculature spasms. Patients are unable to open their mouth within the normal range (35 to 55 mm [average is 40 mm]; 3-finger wide).
Although trismus much more commonly presents as a temporary complication, it can become a permanent condition if a patient does not undergo rehabilitative treatment in a timely manner.
The severity of trismus was staged as follows: Stage 0 – No trismus; mouth opening ⩾45 mm. Stage I – Mild to moderate trismus; restricted mouth opening 20–44 mm. Stage II – Severe trismus; mouth opening ⩽20 mm.
1 Lockjaw can last from several hours to a few days. Within just a few hours, lockjaw can also cause: Headaches2. Jaw pain.
While most muscle related jaw locking will resolve spontaneously with time, some patients might get permanent shortening of the muscles of mastication following muscle injury. However, those patients might need surgical treatment.