Reduced opening due to infection
Written by Dentist Rune Skou, 2008-20-12Last update: 2009-05-12
The reduced ability to open your jaw is known as trismus.
How it works:
Trismus is triggered by an infection around the chewing muscles which limits their ability to move. This is typically an infection around a 3rd molar as with pericoronitis, but can also be found after an extraction or operative extraction of a 3rd molar in the lower jaw.
The body’s defence mechanisms:
Trismus is itself a defence mechanism: it occurs when the body allows an inflammatory reaction to spread to the chewing muscles. Reduced muscle mobility helps to prevent injury while an infection is being dealt with.
Risk factors:
Pericoronitis and extractions and operative extractions of 3rd molars in the lower jaw all increase the risk of getting the condition.
Prevention:
To prevent trismus, get pericoronitis treated as soon as it develops.
Once trismus has begun, apply heat to the muscles in the lower jaw and seek dental assistance immediately to prevent complications.
What will your dentist/dental hygienist do?
Your dentist/dental hygienist will help you to avoid the complaint by treating pericoronitis and by prescribing painkillers and giving hygiene advice after an extraction or operative extraction of a 3rd molar in the lower jaw.