Causes Of Trismus

Oral Surgery

Oral surgery remains one of the primary causes of trismus and might occur after any kind of oral surgery. A dental patient sometimes has sore, cramping jaws after wisdom teeth extractions. This surgery and the fact the mouth needs to remain wide open for a long time irritates the temporomandibular joint. Once hurt, inflammation of the joint occurs due to the surgery itself or due to the mouth being hyperextended. An injection of anesthetic into and around the temporomandibular joint also may cause damage to the muscles around that joint. An individual with trismus after surgery can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication or use hot and cold packs to reduce swelling and relieve muscle tightness.

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