Understanding Trismus (Lockjaw): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
A jaw that refuses to open properly can be more than just discomfort. If you cannot fit three fingers between your upper and lower teeth, you may be experiencing trismus, commonly known as lockjaw. This condition limits mouth opening due to muscle spasms, inflammation, or scarring in the jaw muscles. Trismus is often temporary and appears after dental procedures such as wisdom tooth removal, injections during anesthesia, or trauma to the jaw muscles. However, if the condition persists for more than two weeks without treatment, the muscles may develop fibrous scar tissue that restricts movement permanently. Early care is important to restore normal jaw function. What Is Trismus? Trismus occurs when the muscles responsible for chewing, mainly the masseter and temporalis muscles, enter a prolonged spasm. These muscles are responsible for closing the jaw and are significantly stronger than the muscles that open it. When they tighten involuntarily, the jaw can feel locked or extremely diff...