Hi @vickie1320, unfortunately, Trismus or jaw muscle spasms that are so strong the mouth can’t be opened, can be a common side effect from head/neck cancer with treatments with radiation.
I’m so sorry your husband is having to deal with this along with everything else he’s been going through with his cancer. If he’s doing the suggested exercises this should help to keep his muscles flexible. But it’s important to continue with these even if he’s not having symptoms.

Has he talked with his doctor about this? I think you mentioned in another post that there is a dentist associated with the cancer clinic? That doctor would be a good source to consult with as they would be familiar with the condition and may have some good suggestions for your husband.
Consulting with an oral surgeon or a speech pathologist could be other valuable source for helping to get the mouth functioning properly again.

@hrhwilliam has experience with throat cancer, radiation and reconstructive jaw surgery. He shared his story with us in this discussion. If you haven’t already, I think this would be a helpful conversation to follow. The link is posted below.

~Radiation side effects with H&N cancer. When will they ever end?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-side-effects-when-will-they-ever-end/
I found a couple of comprehensive websites for you about developing Trismus following radiation treatment. You already mentioned that your husband is doing some of these exercises but hopefully there are a few new things for you to try.
https://headandneck.org/trismus/
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https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/trismus
Has your husband tried some warm compresses, such as warm washcloths or wrapped hot water bottle…not a heating pad?

Hi @vickie1320, trismus or lockjaw is spoken as a symptom of what is happening but in reality it isn’t trismus. But that’s ok as I understand what is happening. The mandible or lower jaw bone and tissue can get rather stiff from radiation making it hard to chew let alone open your mouth very far. It’s actually the opposite of lockjaw where you cannot close your mouth. Be that as it may, your husband should continue with trying to exercise his mouth best he can. He could try chewing gum perhaps. If of course things should get worse or too far out of hand then by all means ask the oncologist for some help.
I believe your husband is still in radiotherapy is that correct? He may find eating difficult for months to come. I personally eat a hamburger and really pretty much everything with a knife and fork. After many years I can finally enjoy corn on the cob but I still eat apples with a knife in slices. Life is what it is sometimes but we are still enjoying the green side of the grass.

hi,
I had surgery for tongue cancer in February 2022. I have been on a feeding tube since then with no improvement in swallowing or chewing food. I can only open my mouth a very small bit. Not sure where I can go from here as I have seen dentists and doctors to help with no success. maybe a facial surgeon.If anyone has any info I would appreciate the input.

I was diagnosed with HPV16+ OSCC in March 2023. I had TORS robotic surgery April 2023. I had a right neck dissection as well with all lymph nodes removed and TORS surgery to remove primary tumor of 3cm at base of tongue. All margins clear. Also, I just completed 30 rounds of Proton Radiation 6 days ago. I did tongue, jaw and neck and swallowing exercises daily several times a day( On the way to treatment is a good time). There are tons of videos online. However, If you have a Speech therapist they can help you with this. As of today 5 days post radiation I can still eat and drink. Think soft foods. Eggs, Cottage cheese, noodles, soup, Milkshakes,Boost etc. I still have jaw tightness on primary side and mouth opens only so far but enough. I still cannot taste much, have minor mouth soreness, and Not much saliva, Dry mouth. I REALLY worked on exercises during treatment as I did not want to go on the feeding tube and "forgot" how to swallow as that can lead to major problems do the road. I basically forced myself to eat from Week 4 to now. It will be a chore for sure and Almost a dread but you have to push on . I can say alot of people going through head and neck cancer end of on the feeding tube for awhile. If He does it is not the end of the world but he should still try to use his swallowing ability when he can to keep those muscles working. Swallowing is a very complex process we all do on a daily basic and We all take for granted. Mouthcare is very important with fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses for dry mouth. He can chew SUGARLESS gum to increase saliva and help clean teeth between brushing. Also, I put a good lotion twice a day on my neck which keep radiation burns to a minimum. Good luck to you and you husband . Overall I fell about 80% energy wise. He can do it!

@vickie1320, you might also appreciate hearing from @alpaca @clevyjam @fwpoole @nbkod7b and others who have shared in this related discussion:
- Trismus (lock jaw) after Head & Neck cancer treatment: What helps?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lockjaw-after-sinus-cancer-surgery/