The effect of jaw tightness and deviation on chewing and swallowing: Functional problems associated with these disorders
Tightness and The deviation of the jawStructural disorders in the upper jaw (maxilla) and the lower jaw (Mandible) which can significantly affect chewing and swallowing functions. These disorders can lead to several functional problems that significantly reduce the quality of life of a person. In this article from the site of Dr. Behnam Khorrami (Isfahan nose surgeon _ Jaw surgeon of Isfahan), we will analyze these functional problems in detail.
1. Chewing disorders (Mastication):
jaw tightness, which means a limitation in jaw movement, can lead to several problems in chewing. These problems include:
- Decreased chewing efficiency: Limitation in the opening and closing of the jaw makes the person unable to crush the food completely. This can lead to swallowing large pieces of food, which can increase the risk of choking.
- Disturbance of lateral movements of the jaw: Effective chewing requires lateral movements of the jaw. Jaw tightness limits these movements and leads to incomplete chewing and jaw fatigue.
- Increased pressure on chewing muscles: To compensate for the movement limitation, the chewing muscles work more intensively. This can lead to pain, fatigue, and muscle spasms.
- Difficulty chewing hard foods: People with a tight jaw may have difficulty chewing hard foods such as meat and raw vegetables.
- Change in chewing pattern: To compensate for limited mobility, people may change their chewing patterns, which can lead to other problems with the jaw joints and muscles..
Jaw deviation can also affect chewing function.
This disorder can lead to:
- Unilateral chewing: If the jaw is deviated to one side, the person may use one side of the jaw more for chewing. This can lead to fatigue and pain on one side of the jaw and imbalance in the chewing muscles.
- Asymmetry in teeth wear: Unilateral chewing can lead to abnormal wear of the teeth on one side of the jaw.
2. Swallowing disorders (deglutition):
Narrowness and deviation of the jaw can directly and indirectly affect the swallowing process. These effects include::
- Problems in the oral phase of swallowing: Limitation in jaw movements can make it difficult to transfer food from the mouth to the pharynx.
- Increased risk of suffocation: Swallowing large pieces of food increases the risk of choking due to incomplete chewing and restricted movement.
- Problems in the pharyngeal swallowing stage: Deviation of the jaw can affect the coordination of the muscles of the pharynx and larynx and lead to disturbances in the passage of food from the pharynx to the esophagus..
- Gastric reflux: In some cases, jaw disorders can lead to gastric reflux.
- Pain and discomfort when swallowing: Narrowness and deviation of the jaw can lead to pain and discomfort during swallowing.
3. Related functional problems:
In addition to chewing and swallowing problems, jaw tightness and misalignment can lead to other functional problems, including:
- Jaw and face pain: This pain can be caused by pressure on jaw joints, muscles and nerves.
- Headache: Tension in the chewing muscles can lead to tension headaches.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ): Jaw tightness and misalignment can contribute to TMJ disorders.
- Speech problems: In some cases, these disorders can affect speech.
- Therefore, it may affect those who are employed or in sports activities that require repetitive movements.: Pain and discomfort caused by these disorders can affect the quality of sleep.
4. Diagnosis and treatment:
Diagnosis of jaw narrowness and deviation requires a detailed clinical examination by an orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon. There are various treatment methods for these disorders, including orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, physical therapy, and exercise therapy..
Conclusion:
Jaw tightness and deviation can significantly affect chewing and swallowing functions and lead to numerous functional problems.. Timely diagnosis and treatment of these disorders can prevent more serious problems and reduce the quality of life. This article briefly mentioned the performance problems. For more information, it is recommended to see an orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon.
Useful links:
Isfahan nose surgeon _ Jaw surgeon of Isfahan
Dr. Behnam Khorrami's page in the clinic 24 | Maxillofacial surgeon in Isfahan clinic 24 | Nose surgeon in Isfahan clinic 24
Dr. Behnam Khorrami, nose surgeon in Isfahan at Dr. Af | Maxillofacial surgeon in Isfahan at Dr. Af | Isfahan nose surgeon at Dr. Af