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Trismus (Limited Mouth Opening)

Restricted mouth opening (typically <35 mm) caused by muscle, joint, infectious, post-surgical, oncologic or neurologic processes.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department. Book Appointment →

What is Trismus (Limited Mouth Opening)?

Trismus describes restricted opening of the jaw, conventionally defined as a maximal inter-incisal opening of less than 35 mm. It impairs eating, speech, oral hygiene, dental treatment, and quality of life.

Causes are diverse: dental infection (pericoronitis, deep odontogenic abscess), temporomandibular joint disease (disc displacement, ankylosis), masticatory muscle spasm or fibrosis, third-molar surgery, head-and-neck radiotherapy and post-surgical scarring, oral submucous fibrosis, malignancy of the jaw or pharynx, tetanus, and rare neurologic disorders.

Diagnosis combines history, inter-incisal measurement, palpation of TMJ and masticatory muscles, dental and ENT examination, and imaging (panoramic radiograph, CBCT, MRI of TMJ) to identify the underlying cause.

Symptoms

Inter-incisal mouth opening less than 35 mm
Difficulty eating or biting
Difficulty cleaning teeth and tongue
Speech difficulty
Pain in TMJ, masseter or temporalis
Earache and headache (referred)
Difficulty swallowing in severe cases

Risk Factors

Dental infection (pericoronitis, abscess)
Temporomandibular joint disorder
Third-molar extraction or oral surgery
Head-and-neck radiotherapy
Oral submucous fibrosis (areca-nut chewing)
Head-and-neck cancer
Bruxism and parafunctional habits

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Inability to fit three fingers vertically between teeth
  • Painful limited mouth opening lasting >2 weeks
  • Trismus after dental procedure
  • Trismus after head-and-neck radiotherapy
  • Difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking
  • Severe jaw or ear pain
  • Suspected tetanus or systemic infection

Treatment Methods

01
Treatment of underlying cause (infection drainage, antibiotics)
02
TMJ-directed therapy (splint, physiotherapy, NSAIDs)
03
Therabite or Dynasplint jaw mobilization devices
04
Stretching and masticatory muscle exercises
05
Trigger-point injections, botulinum toxin in selected cases
06
Surgical release for ankylosis or severe fibrosis
07
Oral hygiene aids and adapted dental treatment

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.