-
Jaw stretching devices and intubation
Hey everyone! I saw my neurologist the other day and she recommended a jaw stretching device (e.g. OraStretch or TheraBite) because the smaller the mouth opening is, the more difficult it will be to intubate in case I need surgery in the future.
The problem is that I have a significant overbite—my upper front teeth extend well over the lower teeth, and my lower jaw sits farther back than average. So, I worry that if the mouthpieces are aligned symmetrically, they may not fit properly in my mouth.
I’m not the type to go that far in taking precautions -in fact, I avoid doctors as much as SMA allows- but it got me thinking whether it would be wise to be prepared and discuss intubation options with an anesthesiologist, instead of rushing to figure it out during an emergency.
Do you have any experience with jaw stretching devices or exercises? Do you know how you can get intubated in case you ever need surgery or do you prefer to cross that bridge when you come to it?
It’s actually two topics merged into one, but I’d love to hear your take on both!
-
5 Replies
-
Yes! Every morning just before I brush my teeth. I stretch my jaw open as far as possible for about five minutes. I’m scared that one day the dentist will not be able to fit his equipment in my mouth or that I won’t be able to be bigger pieces of food like chocolate! If I remember. I try to do it during the day as well.
-
Impressive!! I don’t think I could do it for five minutes. I do seven stretches, seven seconds each, seven times a day and it’s already too much for me! Do you apply pressure with your hands or any special tools, or do you just keep your mouth wide open?
-
-
Hey, Anna! I think it’s definitely good to be proactive about something like this. I have never tried jaw stretching devices. Like Ellie, I just stretch my mouth open daily. I would love to hear your experiences when you try it, though.
Also, as far as intubation goes, I believe if they had to, they could intubate you through your nose. Don’t quote me on that. I don’t have experience with it, but I believe I have read that others have.
-
As it turns out, none of their local distributors in Greece provide the opportunity to try the product before purchase, and they’re both too expensive to risk buying without knowing if I’ll be able to use them. So, I’ve decided to buy the Jaw Grading Bite Blocks (Red) – TalkTools instead. My speech therapist used to stick them between my back teeth, and they were the only thing that would make my jaw hurt like a proper stretch should. It didn’t help much with the opening, but we only did it during our sessions twice a week. I’m thinking that if I use them several times a day, the results might be better.
I had never heard of nasotracheal intubation before, but I looked it up and it seems that it is an option indeed. If there is a less invasive technique, I wonder why most SMA folks often resort to tracheostomy when intubation through the mouth fails…
talktools.com
TalkTools® Jaw Grading Bite Blocks™ (Red)
This exclusive tool is used in essential OPT™ activities, including Bite Block Hierarchy. TalkTools® Jaw Grading Bite Blocks™ promote symmetrical jaw strength, stability, and grading for clients with weak jaw musculature when evaluating speech sound production or feeding (i.e. reduced mobility, sliding, … Continue reading
-
-
I was intubated through my nose for gallbladder surgery.
Log in to reply.