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Trismus

Trismus is a condition in which one of the jaw muscles tightens or spasms, holding the mouth shut. A person with trismus has problems talking, eating, and brushing his or her teeth.

Trismus can result from injury, problems with the joint, surgery, radiation treatment, or sometimes problems with clenching or tightening the jaw.

Treatment depends on the cause of the problem, but often includes oral devices and exercises.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
Last Revised September 29, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 29, 2009
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