Trismus

Not to be confused with tenesmus (disambiguation).
Trismus
Other namesLockjaw
Trismus caused due to muscle rigidity. Diagram of jaw muscles are shown here.

Trismus is a condition of restricted opening of the mouth.[1][2] The term was initially used in the setting of tetanus.[2] Trismus may be caused by spasm of the muscles of mastication or a variety of other causes.[3] Temporary trismus occurs much more frequently than permanent trismus.[4] It is known to interfere with eating, speaking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene. This interference, specifically with an inability to swallow properly, results in an increased risk of aspiration. In some instances, trismus presents with altered facial appearance. The condition may be distressing and painful. Examination and treatments requiring access to the oral cavity can be limited, or in some cases impossible, due to the nature of the condition itself.

  1. ^ "Trismus – The Oral Cancer Foundation". Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  2. ^ a b Santiago-Rosado, Livia M.; Lewison, Cheryl S. (2023), "Trismus", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID 29630255, retrieved 2023-11-17
  3. ^ Odell, Edward W., ed. (2010). Clinical problem solving in dentistry (3rd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. pp. 37–41. ISBN 9780443067846.
  4. ^ Soames, J.V.; Southam, J.C. (1998). Oral pathology (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 330. ISBN 019262895X.