The Science Behind The Bite Article

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The Science Behind the Bite

Most of us chew our food without ever thinking about the complex processes required to perform this vital action. It may seem a simple task to raise and lower our jaw, but the process of mastication (chewing) requires several components to work together: nerves, muscles, joints, bones, and teeth.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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A problem with any one component can lead to real medical issues like TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder), which causes chronic pain and other symptoms.

Mastication Mechanics
In order to raise the lower jaw (mandible) into contact with the upper dental arch (maxilla), your brain sends a signal to a collection of four muscles, the tensor tympani, tensor veli palatini, mylohyoid, and the digastric. These muscles pull the mandible up and back, flexing the temporomandibular joint, often called the TMJ.

There are two TMJs, one on either side, working in unison. The name is derived from the two bones which form the joint: the upper temporal bone which is part of the cranium (skull), and the mandible. The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in our body. The unique feature of the TMJ is the articular disc, composed of tissue like the firm and flexible elastic cartilage of the ear. The articular disc is positioned between the two bones that form the joint.

After the muscles pull and the TMJ flexes, the top and bottom rows of teeth come together. Ideally, these two rows should match up perfectly. However, most people have some degree of malocclusion, which is a misalignment of the teeth. Malocclusion is commonly described as an overbite or underbite, and in serious cases is fixed for aesthetic or medical reasons through the use of orthodontics.

Problems May Be Painful
A majority of the population experiences malocclusion, but most do not consider it a serious problem. However, when the teeth are misaligned, they cannot support the muscles in the face needed for chewing and swallowing. These muscles are then forced into a strained position, which over time can cause TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Most often with TMD, the articular disc has become displaced, allowing painful bone-to-bone contact.

TMD can lead to chronic pain, as well as a wide variety of other symptoms. Though the problem starts with the teeth and jaw, pain can spread all over the neck and shoulders. This is because the trigeminal nerve, which controls facial movements like chewing, also transmits pain signals from all parts of the face and head.

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If you think you may suffer from TMD, please visit the website of LVI Global today to learn more about TMD and its painful symptoms.

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The Science Behind the Bite