Microstomia After Burns: What You Need to Know

Microstomia after burns is a complication that often goes unnoticed until it affects daily life. This article covers what microstomia is, why it happens after burn injuries, the symptoms to watch for, and the range of treatments available. Recognizing early warning signs is important, as proven interventions can help patients and caregivers take steps to prevent long‑term problems.

What is microstomia after a burn injury?

Microstomia is a condition where the opening of the mouth becomes abnormally small. After a burn injury, scar tissue may form around the lips, cheeks, or corners of the mouth. This tightening makes it hard to open the mouth fully, which can affect daily activities such as eating, speaking, and dental care.

What kind of burn causes microstomia?

Not all burns cause long-term problems, but some raise the risk of microstomia:

• Deep partial-thickness or full-thickness burns (second-degree deep or third-degree).

• Circumferential burns that wrap around the mouth and tighten from all sides.

• Electrical or chemical burns, which can damage tissue more severely than surface thermal burns.

  
  

The deeper and more extensive the burn around the mouth, the more likely microstomia will develop.

How do facial burns cause the mouth to tighten or shrink?

When skin heals after a deep burn, the scar tissue that forms is less elastic than healthy skin. Over time, the scar pulls inward, especially around mobile areas like the lips and cheeks. This scar contracture gradually reduces the size of the mouth opening.

What are the symptoms of microstomia after burns?

People with microstomia may notice:

• Difficulty opening the mouth wide.

• Trouble taking normal bites of food.

• Pain or tightness around the lips and cheeks.

• Slurred or unclear speech.

• Challenges with brushing teeth, flossing, or getting dental care.

  
  

These symptoms may appear gradually as scar tissue continues to contract.

Can burn scars around the mouth affect eating and speaking?

Yes. Burn scars can limit how wide the mouth opens, which makes everyday tasks harder:

• Eating: Small mouth opening means food must be cut into tiny pieces or replaced with softer diets.

• Speaking: Tight lips can affect clarity of speech.

• Social life: Eating out or speaking in public may feel frustrating or embarrassing.

How is microstomia diagnosed after a burn?

Diagnosis is usually based on both measurement and function:

• Interincisal distance — the space between upper and lower front teeth when the mouth is open.

• Visual assessment — noticing scar patterns and lip tightness.

• Functional impact — asking about eating, speaking, and oral hygiene challenges.

What treatments are available for microstomia caused by burns?

Treatment depends on severity:

• Early interventions: stretching exercises, massage, and therapy to keep tissues flexible.

• Splints or appliances: designed to gently maintain or improve mouth opening.

• Therapy support: working with specialists to prevent further contracture.

• Surgical options: releasing scar tissue in severe cases.

  
  

Innovative tools, such as the Kenzie Therapeutics Microstomia Prevention Appliance, are designed specifically to help patients maintain mobility and reduce the risk of long-term contracture after burns.

How can occupational and speech therapy help with microstomia?

Occupational therapists focus on restoring daily function and mobility. They may:

• Teach stretching and mouth-opening exercises to maintain tissue flexibility.

• Provide adaptive strategies for eating, drinking, and oral care when movement is limited.

• Recommend assistive devices that support long-term recovery and prevent further restriction.

  
  

In many cases, occupational therapists integrate devices like the  Kenzie Therapeutics Microstomia Prevention Appliance into care plans, giving patients a practical way to maintain mouth opening during recovery.

Speech therapists focus on restoring communication, oral coordination, and swallowing. They may:

• Teach exercises to improve articulation, lip movement, and tongue mobility.

• Provide strategies to enhance speech clarity and assist with safe swallowing.

• Recommend therapies or tools that support long-term communication and oral health.

  
  

Speech therapists may also work alongside devices like the  Kenzie Therapeutics Microstomia Prevention Appliance to help patients maintain mouth opening while improving speech and swallowing function.

Are there appliances or devices to prevent microstomia after burns?

Yes. Specially designed oral appliances can help maintain mouth opening and reduce the risk of contracture. These devices apply gentle pressure or stretching to the tissue, preventing the lips and cheeks from pulling inward as scars heal.

• They are typically used under the guidance of a medical team.

• Consistent use may improve comfort and daily function.

  
  

The Kenzie Therapeutics Microstomia Prevention Appliance is one such device, created to support both patients and clinicians in managing scar-related mouth restriction.

Is surgery required if you have microstomia?

Not always. Many people benefit from non-surgical treatments such as exercises, therapy, and appliances. Surgery is considered when:

• Scar tissue is too tight to allow improvement with therapy.

• Mouth opening is severely limited and daily life is significantly affected.

  
  

Even after surgery, ongoing therapy and appliances are often needed to maintain progress.

Microstomia after burns can present lifelong challenges, but early awareness and intervention make a significant difference. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options empowers patients to take proactive steps in their recovery. Preventive and therapeutic tools, such as the Kenzie Therapeutics Microstomia Prevention Appliance, can support healing and improve quality of life. For a deeper look at microstomia and related care strategies, see our comprehensive pillar article on burn rehabilitation.