Talking Trismus

Hi Nicky

Yes trismus can make life a bit challenging that’s for sure. Since my last op. I am now only able to open my mouth one and a half fingers wide whereas the optimum is normally 3 fingers wide. It does make life a bit tricky when eating and cleaning my teeth. After my op.in 2019 I was told to stretch my jaw by putting as many tongue depressors as possible between my teeth and then try and add on to them bit by bit. I did this and it did help. I can now manage 10 but I think that is it.

I know that there is a therabite available to exercise your jaw but it is fairly expensive so did not go down that route.

During my first op. in 2013 I had all the teeth out on the bottom of my right jaw so I have a good gap to get a spoon and my toothbrush through. If not for that it might be even more challenging. Even if I could manage a sandwich or  hamburger there is no way it would fit between my teeth.

I consider myself lucky as I know there are many people who cannot open their jaw as far as I am able.

Lyn

I had to Google the term Trismus, but I am indeed suffering from it post surgery. I can currently only get one finger (as preferred to three) in when opening my jaw. I can manage a teaspoon with a bit of discomfort and use a baby toothbrush.

I’m only just over a month post-surgery so hopefully things will improve. I’m meant to have some dental reconstruction eventually, so they will presumably need reasonable access. I still have a lot of swelling in the area which doesn’t help.

I’ve been advised by the physiotherapist to try gentle jaw opening exercises to try and improve my jaw movement and have an appointment with speech therapists shortly.

Thank you for your reply and sharing.  It is good that you are having physiotherapy advice  by your medical team on gentle jaw exercises because they will know what is best for you after your surgery.  

Yes I also used to eat with a tea spoon and used a baby tooth brush too.  I still use a baby tooth brush for my gentle brushing in-between cleans through out the day as I find it gentle on my teeth.  I use my electric tooth brush for a more thorough  clean. 

Best wishes and thank you again

Nicky

Hi Lyn

Thank you so much for sharing. I found tongue depressors painful when I added the extra one. Glad to know that you can manage some foods and clean your teeth. 

Thanks again

Best wishes 

Nicky