Ideally the mouth opening of a healthy individual ranges between 40-50 mm in length (about the size of 4 fingers).
There could be multiple causes resulting in a decrease in one’s capacity of opening their mouth.
Some of the reasons of restricted mouth opening include Temporo-Mandibular joint (jaw joint) Disorders, Muscular spasms around the mouth, Third molar eruption and Oral Submucous Fibrosis(OSMF).
- What is Oral Submucous Fibrosis?
OSMF meaning Oral Submucous Fibrosis is a Pre-cancerous condition of the oral cavity very commonly occurring in our country due to the habit of Betel nut (Gutka/Mishri/Tambaku/Paan/Sopari) Chewing.
- What are the signs of OSMF?
- Inability to open the mouth completely.
- Sense of burning or pain on consumption of hot and spicy food items.
- Dryness of mouth or increased ulcerations in mouth.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Change in the sensation of taste.
If you are suffering with any of the above problems, kindly get yourself checked with our specialist who can identify the underlying cause and help you undergo the appropriate treatment.
- What is the treatment of OSMF?
Lifestyle changes
- Avoid and preferably stop the habit of tobacco/betel nut chewing.
- Avoid consumption of very hot and spicy food items.
- Increase the intake of green leafy vegetables.
- Intake of Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex rich diet & high protein diet.
- Maintaining proper oral hygiene.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol.
Physiotherapy of the Face
- Forceful opening of the mouth using device like Heister mouth gag.
Heister mouth opening device - Holding luke warm water in the mouth for 30 seconds- 1 minute atleast twice a day.
- Blowing balloons frequently.
- Performing TENS therapy for the muscular flexibility.
Medical Management
- Supplements
Taking systemic multivitamins and Lycopene medications orally regularly.
- Steroids
Topical ointment application regularly on the oral mucosa.
Taking weekly intralesional injections.
- Hyaluronidase
Taking the hyaluronidase intralesional injections weekly.
Surgical Management
Surgical management includes performing conventional surgery of releasing the fibrosis, Laser surgery and Cryosurgery by the specialist.
OSMF can be a reversible condition, if you start the treatment on time without delay.
Treatment of OSMF is a combination of medical treatment along with the face physiotherapy and lifestyle changes.
For individuals suffering from mouth opening less than 25 mm, Surgical treatment is advocated.
To get yourself evaluated and start appropriate treatment book your appointment with us.