How do you manage trismus?

How do you manage trismus?

• A. Heat compression and jaw exercises
• B. Cold compressions
• C. Massage
• D. Rest and hydration

Answer: (A)

Trismus is a limited ability to open the mouth due to spasm or inflammation of the jaw muscles. Management aims to relieve the muscle spasm and restore normal opening, so a combination that relaxes the muscles and gradually stretches them is most effective. Heat applied to the jaw area helps by increasing blood flow and tissue elasticity, which eases stiffness and prepares the muscles for movement. Pairing this with gentle, progressive jaw exercises provides controlled stretching to improve range of motion and prevent scar tissue from forming. Cold compressions can reduce swelling but tend to tighten muscles and don’t promote opening. Massage can relieve some tension but doesn’t offer the structured, progressive rehabilitation that targeted jaw exercises provide. Rest and hydration are supportive but don’t directly address the need to regain mouth opening.

Trismus is a limited ability to open the mouth due to spasm or inflammation of the jaw muscles. Management aims to relieve the muscle spasm and restore normal opening, so a combination that relaxes the muscles and gradually stretches them is most effective. Heat applied to the jaw area helps by increasing blood flow and tissue elasticity, which eases stiffness and prepares the muscles for movement. Pairing this with gentle, progressive jaw exercises provides controlled stretching to improve range of motion and prevent scar tissue from forming. Cold compressions can reduce swelling but tend to tighten muscles and don’t promote opening. Massage can relieve some tension but doesn’t offer the structured, progressive rehabilitation that targeted jaw exercises provide. Rest and hydration are supportive but don’t directly address the need to regain mouth opening.