Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, precancerous condition that affects the oral mucosa. It can lead to difficulty opening the mouth, burning sensation, and even facial deformity.

Symptoms

• Burning sensation in the mouth, especially after eating spicy food
• Dry mouth
• Pain
• Taste disorders
• Restricted tongue mobility
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty blowing, whistling, and sucking

Risk factors

• Chewing betel nuts
• Chewing tobacco products like gutkha, pan masala, and flavored supari

Treatment

• Corticosteroid injections into the fibrotic bands
• Hyaluronidase, an enzyme to break down connective tissue
• Mouth opening exercises
• Nutritional supplements

Prevention

• Stop chewing areca nut and tobacco products
• Decrease the availability of areca nut products in the market

Prognosis

• OSF is a progressive disease that can lead to malignant tumors.
• The disease process remains active even after cessation of chewing.
• The severity of OSF develops as the practice continues and is permanent.

Diagnosis

• Clinical diagnosis
• Histological diagnosis
• Tissue biopsy

Reduced Mouth Opening, also known as Trismus, is a condition that makes it difficult to open the mouth. It can be caused by a number of conditions, including jaw injuries, infections, and cancer treatments.

Causes

• Trauma: Facial or mandibular trauma, such as third molar extraction
• Surgery: Surgery to the jaw or head and neck
• Radiation: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
• Chemotherapy: Certain chemotherapy agents
• Infections: Dental infections or infections after surgery
• Temporomandibular disorders: TMJ problems
• Connective tissue disorders: Lupus erythematosus

Symptoms

• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing
• Pain when opening the mouth
• Reduced nutrition
• Compromised oral hygiene

Treatment

• Medication
• Physical therapy
• Tongue depressors
• Jaw motion rehabilitation systems
• Cages that fit over the head
• Springs that fit between the teeth

Early treatment can help prevent or minimize complications.

When to seek help

• If you've had a dental procedure and you're suddenly unable to open your mouth, you should call your dentist.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a condition where the jaw joint becomes fused or immobile. It can cause difficulty opening the mouth, facial deformity, and sleep apnea.

Causes

• Trauma, such as a blow to the face
• Infection
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Congenital abnormalities
• Prior TMJ surgery

Symptoms

• Limited mouth opening
• Facial deformity
• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)
• Malocclusion
• Difficulty chewing, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene

Treatment

• Surgical intervention, such as joint reconstruction, joint replacement, or bone removal
• Physical therapy
• Medications

Complications

• Recurrence of ankylosis
• Worsening of airway problems
• Upper airway collapse during jaw exercises

Early intervention

• Early intervention is important to prevent further damage and improve outcomes.

Other information

• In adults, a normal mouth opening is about 3 finger widths.
• If your mouth opens less than 2 finger widths, it may mean you have TMJ dysfunction.