Trismus

Patients & Caregivers

Trismus, or difficulty opening your mouth widely, can be a side effect of surgery or radiation therapy used in the treatment of head and neck cancer. Use strategies like exercises as described below to prevent this. People experiencing this difficulty of opening their mouth widely have greater difficulty with brushing and flossing or obtaining care at the dentist. This may also limit food choices. Individuals may perform exercises at home.

Exercises to prevent trismus:

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• Home recommendations: Five stretches, up to five times per day, for 30 days

  • Finger stretches- place thumb on upper teeth and index finger on lower teeth and gently stretch 

  • Stacking tongue depressors: stack four tongue depressors between back teeth. Try to insert one more in the middle to provide a stretch 

• Companies with physical therapy devices- requires prescription from dentist or physician

  • ​TheraBite

  • Dynasplint

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For more information about trismus and oral health, see these resources:

• Complications of Cancer: Trismus - Oral Cancer Foundation

• Trismus Video - Canadian Dental Association

• Trismus - Head and Neck Cancer Alliance

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You may also wish to learn about:

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

• Oral Mucositis

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DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The information on the Rhode Island Cancer and Oral Health Resource Guide, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other external materials are for informational purposes only. The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island does not provide medical advice. The information on this website is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.