Trismus, also known as lock jaw, is a condition of the jaw muscles. The restriction on mouth opening is caused by a spasm of the mastication muscles in the jaw. Trismus is a medical term that describes a person’s inability to fully open their mouth or jaw because of a muscle spasm.
Speaking, eating, and even practicing good oral hygiene are severely hampered by trismus. Both short-term and long-term issues can exist.
But transient lockjaws happen more frequently. In extreme cases, it can even change how one looks on the face. Even swallowing can become difficult due to this condition’s severe distress and pain.
Finding a cure or alleviation begins with understanding the potential causes of trismus. Thankfully, non-invasive techniques can be used to remedy this.
One of the best ways to treat trismus is with manual jaw-opening exercises, especially if tight muscles bring on the problem.
You can exercise your mouth by making immediate opening and shutting motions. Repeat this multiple times to loosen up the jaw muscles.
After that, gently press with your fingertips on top of the bottom four front teeth. Your jaw will become somewhat more open as a result of this pressure.
Hold this position for intervals of at least 30 seconds. This exercise should ideally be done 12 times in one session. However, you must use caution and avoid exerting excessive pressure, especially if you experience pain.
Additionally, jaw stretches are an option. Flexibility is crucial to prevent the muscles in the jaw and neck area from tightening up too quickly.
Put your tongue up against your mouth’s roof. Apply light pressure to gradually widen your mouth as wide as it will, then let go and close it. At least ten additional times should be added to the procedure.
A mouth guard may be advised if the trismus is related to a TMD condition or teeth grinding.
It will be possible to avoid contact between the upper and lower teeth by wearing a mouth guard. Additionally, this will loosen up the jaw area.
Utilizing a mouth guard will assist lessen tension in the jaw region, mainly if the alignment of your jaw is off.
Another simple method to alleviate trismus is to massage the area around your jaw. Increased blood flow in the area and hence reduced muscle tension are both benefits of massage.
While opening your mouth, massage the area around your ears in a circular motion. Give yourself this massage throughout the day as often as you can.
Modern treatment methods like orthotics, physical therapy, or botox permanently repair the lock jaw. The reason and severity of the symptoms will determine the therapy strategy.
It may be recommended to consult an Austin cosmetic dentist if your trismus symptoms continue. You can visit an Austin dentist to have them examine your teeth, surrounding joints, and jaw.
Contact an Austin cosmetic dentist for a TMJ examination.
Should you have any queries regarding lock jaw. Make an appointment with your orthodontist by calling Austin Dentist. Call: 512-949-8202.
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