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The lower jaw is often called the lower jaw and is a movable part in the skull. Due to its structure, it can be easily injured, for example sprains. In addition, there are several malocclusions in which the mandible is incorrectly positioned, e.g. the front and back of the mandible.
Lower jaw anatomy
Jaw it is a single bone that allows you to open and close your mouth, that is above all chewing and talking. It lies in the lower part of the skull, with which it is connected by a temporomandibular joint. It consists of a shaft with teeth, branches and the angle of the jaw. With a slight opening of the mouth, its movement is rotational, while with a wide mouth it slides forward slightly, which is a toboggan movement. It is also important that the jaw and skull remain motionless.
Jaws not to be confused with the jaw, which is the second largest bone in the facial skull, consisting of the zygomatic, frontal, alveolar and palatal processes, and the shaft.
Pain in the jaw – what are its causes?
Very severe pain may indicate a dislocation of the temporomandibular joint, otherwise known as jumping lower jaw. The most common cause is that the mouth is opened too wide, for example when yawning, eating or undergoing treatment at the dentist’s. It can also happen during an epilepsy attack. Dislocation prevents you from talking and biting, and when you try to close your mouth, you hear a characteristic sound similar to a click. Bruises and swelling appear at the site of the injury, and saliva, associated with swallowing disorders, is oozing from the mouth. You may also complain of nausea, headaches, and earaches. Treatment is primarily about as soon as possible mandible position by a doctor. An elastic bandage is then applied to maintain the effect and prevent a second sprain shortly after setting. Jaw it takes 7 to 10 days to heal. The patient should then take a liquid diet. Strong pain can be relieved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In addition, there is soreness in the lower jaw is associated with too tight muscle tightening, degenerative changes, arthritis, as well as injuries or malfunctioning of the joint discs.
One of the most commonly recognized malocclusions is undershot bite, also known as retracted mandible. He is referred to when jaw it is too recessed in relation to the jaw, and the upper and lower incisal teeth are not in contact with each other. A retracted mandible is most often treated with an orthodontic appliance, but in some cases surgical procedures are used.
Another common malocclusion is also foreleg, i.e. an enlargement of the lower jaw, causing changes in facial features, biting problems and slurred speech. Same as undershot bite, it is treated with braces or surgery.