What is "trismus"

Trismus \Tris"mus\, n. [NL., form Gr. ? gnashing of the teeth.] (Med.) The lockjaw.

"lockjaw," 1690s, Modern Latin, from Greek trismos "a scream; a grinding, rasping," akin to trizein "to chirp, gnash," imitative.

n. The inability to normally open the mouth, typically as a result of disease.

n. prolonged spasm of the jaw muscles

Trismus, or Lockjaw, refers to reduced opening of the jaws caused by spasm of the muscles of mastication, or may generally refer to all causes of limited mouth opening. It is a common problem with a variety of causes, and may interfere with eating, speech, oral hygiene, and could alter facial appearance. There is an increased risk of aspiration. Temporary trismus is much more common than permanent trismus, and may be distressing and painful, and limit or prevent medical examination or treatments requiring access to the oral cavity.