Patients need to know that trismus that occurs 1 year after treatment will be permanent and that there is no good surgical or medical therapy. Aggressive encouragement will lead to good compliance with trismus exercises and a low incidence of severe trismus, even after surgery and radiation.

Can trismus be permanent?

Permanent trismus can occur too. Whether trismus is around for days or months, daily exercises and massaging can ease the pain. If you suffer from trismus, you know it can make eating, talking, and oral hygiene very difficult. It's important to exercise your jaw to help it get stronger.

How long can trismus last?

It can occur as a result of trauma to the jaw, oral surgery, infection, cancer, or radiation treatment for cancers of the head and throat. Most cases of trismus are temporary, typically lasting for less than 2 weeks , but some may be permanent.