Which intervention is NOT part of managing trismus?

• A. Heat therapy
• B. Saline rinses
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Jaw exercises

Answer: (C)

Trismus management focuses on relieving muscle spasm and restoring jaw mobility. Using heat or warmth helps relax the jaw muscles and improve circulation, making it easier to open wider. Saline rinses support comfort and oral hygiene, helping reduce irritation and promote healing after dental problems that might contribute to trismus. Jaw exercises are a direct approach to progressively increase the range of motion and prevent waiting in stiffness.

Antibiotics, on the other hand, target bacterial infection rather than directly improving jaw opening. They’re used when there’s an infectious component contributing to trismus, but they don’t mechanically improve mouth opening or reduce muscle tightness by themselves.