Trismus, also known as "locked jaw", is a painful condition in which the opening of the mouth is limited. This can cause significant discomfort and difficulty eating, speaking and maintaining proper oral hygiene. At SDS Dental Clinic in Vilafranca del Penedès, we are dedicated to informing you about the causes, symptoms and treatment options available to effectively manage this condition of dental trismus.
What is dental trismus?
Normally, the opening of the mouth varies between 40 and 50 mm, but when it is reduced to less than 35 mm, trismus appears. Causes of this condition may include trauma to the jaw, oral surgeries, infections, or radiation therapy treatments.
The main symptom of trismus is difficulty opening the jaw fully, often accompanied by pain, cramps, difficulty chewing, brushing teeth, swallowing certain foods, headaches and earaches.
Causes and symptoms of dental trismus
Generally, trismus is temporary, lasting less than 2 weeks, although in some cases it can be persistent.
Causes of trismus include:
Trauma Mandibular injuries can lead to trismus, including fractures or other injuries after dental procedures. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may also be affected, or bruising or injury to the masticatory muscles may occur.
Inflammation Certain medical conditions can cause inflammation in the oral cavity, leading to trismus. For example, pericoronitis, an inflammation of the soft tissues around a tooth, often happens in wisdom teeth.
Mandibular arthritis Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue, can cause excessive formation of fibrous tissue, contributing to the appearance of trismus.
Dental surgery Oral surgical interventions, such as the extraction of wisdom teeth, can cause inflammation that leads to trismus. Hyperextension of the masticatory muscles, due to excessive opening of the mouth during prolonged dental procedures, can also contribute to this postoperative condition.
Infection Certain infections, such as mumps, tonsillitis or peritonsillar abscesses, can cause trismus.
Cancer and its treatments Tumors located in the head or neck can affect the movement of the jaw, and radiotherapy treatments for these tumors can lead to the appearance of trismus.
Treatments for dental trismus
To treat trismus, options include:
Medication The dentist may prescribe medication to reduce pain and relax the jaw muscles. The most common include muscle relaxants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Physical Therapy A physical therapist can help relieve trismus through specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the masticatory muscles, manual massage therapy, and manipulation of the temporomandibular joint. Techniques such as dry needling and myofascial therapy can improve jaw mobility.
Dietary adjustments A soft diet is recommended until symptoms improve. Avoiding hard, crunchy or sticky foods is important to reduce chewing effort.
How to treat dental trismus at home
The intensity of trismus can be reduced by trying the following:
Applying warm compresses to the affected area for 15-20 minutes can help relax the jaw muscles.
Gentle jaw stretching exercises, such as opening and closing the mouth slowly, can help regain mobility.
Gently massage the jaw muscles.
Using relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can reduce muscle tension.
Complications of dental trismus
Trismus can cause several complications that can influence quality of life:
Oral hygiene problems Difficulty opening the mouth can make it difficult to maintain adequate oral hygiene , which can lead to bad breath and tooth decay. In people with dentures, this can make them difficult to use and clean.
Eating difficulties Patients may need a predominantly liquid and soft diet to avoid discomfort.
Infections Trismus can complicate the management of infections, such as cellulitis, an inflammation of the skin that can present with symptoms such as edema, redness, and pain.
conclusion
Dental trismus is a painful condition that limits the opening of the mouth. Most cases are temporary and prompt treatment with medication and physical therapy can prevent complications and improve quality of life. If you suspect that you suffer from trismus, it is essential to consult a dentist for a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
At SDS Dental Clinic, we are committed to providing the best solutions for your oral health. Contact us for a consultation and to learn more about how we can treat trismus and other dental conditions.
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