Opening your mouth normally is something we take for granted until it becomes difficult. When pain, stiffness or a clear limitation when moving the jaw appears, simple activities such as eating, talking or yawning can become a problem. This is exactly what happens with dental trismus, a condition that is more common than it seems.
Dental trismus
Dental trismus is a limitation in opening the mouth caused by stiffness or tension in the jaw muscles. It does not mean that the mouth cannot be opened at all, but rather that movement is reduced and is usually accompanied by discomfort or pain. It can appear suddenly or gradually worsen over time, depending on its origin.
This situation directly affects quality of life. Eating solid foods becomes difficult, speaking for long periods is tiring, and oral hygiene becomes more complicated. In addition, if left untreated, the problem can persist over time and cause further discomfort, both in the jaw and in the head and neck.
Causes of dental trismus
Dental trismus can have different causes. One of the most common is undergoing long dental treatments, such as complex extractions or surgeries, which require keeping the mouth open for a long time. This can cause temporary muscle overload.
It can also appear due to dental infections, gum inflammation, problems in the jaw joint, or habitual clenching or grinding of the teeth. In some cases, stress and accumulated tension cause the jaw muscles to contract more than normal, encouraging the appearance of trismus.
Symptoms of dental trismus
The symptoms of dental trismus are:
- Difficulty opening the mouth normally
- Pain in the jaw or near the ear
- Feeling of stiffness or locking
- Discomfort when chewing or speaking
- Headache or neck pain
- Clicking or noises when moving the jaw
How is dental trismus treated?
The treatment of dental trismus depends on the cause and the intensity of the symptoms. In most cases, with the right approach, the problem improves progressively.
Rest and home care
When trismus is mild, resting the jaw is usually recommended. Avoiding hard foods, wide yawns and forced movements helps reduce muscle tension. Applying heat to the area can also relieve stiffness and gradually improve mobility.
Jaw exercises and physiotherapy
Gentle exercises involving controlled opening and closing of the mouth are key to restoring movement. In some cases, the specialist may recommend specific physiotherapy to relax the muscles and improve jaw function safely and progressively.
Dental treatment and pain control
If the cause is an infection, inflammation or dental problem, it is essential to treat the underlying issue. The use of medication for pain or inflammation may be necessary for a period of time, always under professional supervision. Correcting habits such as bruxism with a night guard is also important to prevent relapses.
We help you treat dental trismus
At Gross Dentists, we have a team prepared to diagnose and treat dental trismus in a personalised way. We analyse each case to find the real cause of the problem and apply the most appropriate treatment, always with a close and clear approach for the patient.
If you are looking for a dental clinic in Málaga and Torremolinos, at Gross Dentists we support you throughout the entire process, answering your questions and helping you recover jaw mobility and well-being with safety and confidence. Contact us and book an appointment.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
