Jaw Range of Motion Exercise

If the patient has difficulty opening his or her mouth, the ability to open the mouth more can be improved by performing exercises to increase range of motion of the jaw. An example of a jaw range of motion exercise is as follows: Open the jaw as much as possible (without pain), maintain this position for a few seconds, relax, and then repeat the entire cycle several more times. “Trismus” refers to a limitation of jaw opening. This can be improved by stretching the tissues that have become scarred as a result of prior surgery or radiation. Stacking tongue blades between the upper and lower teeth several times a day is a commonly used technique. Mechanical devices that are placed between the upper and lower teeth accomplish the same thing by active range of motion exercises.