Limited mouth opening secondary to diffuse systemic sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition in connective tissues.
• While skin manifestations are common, SSc frequently involves internal organs, posing significant health risks.
• Limited mouth opening (trismus) is a recognized complication impacting quality of life and medical care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of diffuse Systemic Sclerosis presenting with severe mouth opening limitation.
• To evaluate the efficacy of passive jaw stretch exercises in improving mouth opening in an SSc patient.
• To discuss the clinical challenges and considerations for dental management in patients with SSc-related trismus.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was employed, detailing the clinical presentation and management of a patient with diffuse SSc.
• The patient underwent a regimen of passive jaw stretch exercises.
• Dental treatment procedures were assessed for feasibility and modifications required due to limited mouth opening.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced a measurable improvement in mouth opening following consistent passive jaw stretch exercises.
• Despite improvement, significant challenges persisted in performing routine and complex dental procedures.
• The case underscores the need for specialized dental approaches in SSc patients.

Conclusions:

• Passive jaw exercises can offer benefits for improving mouth opening in Systemic Sclerosis patients.
• Managing dental care for SSc patients with trismus requires tailored strategies and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• This case highlights the functional impact of SSc and the importance of addressing oral complications.