The masticatory muscles (musculi masticatorii) are attached to bone at both ends. They are paired, originate from different parts of the skull and insert into the lower jaw (mandible). These muscles are innervated by the trigeminal nerve (n. trigeminus). By moving the lower jaw through the temporomandibular joint, they also perform the function of chewing.
The masseter (m. masseter) is the strongest of the masticatory muscles. It originates from the lower edge of the cheekbone and the zygomatic arch and inserts at the outer angle of the mandible. This muscle raises the lower jaw.
The temporomandibular joint and the masticatory muscles maintain the position and movements of the lower jaw: opening and closing the mouth, biting and chewing.
Causes of masticatory muscle tension:
– teeth grinding;
– forceful clenching of the teeth;
– chewing on one side;
– persistent pain and tension (in the head and face);
– intense mental work;
– malocclusion;
– psychological factors.
For these reasons the masticatory muscles are subjected to unusual loads and their capacity is overloaded.
Measures that help to reduce masticatory muscle tension effectively:
– Massage is essential to reduce masticatory muscle tension and relax the deep facial muscles. Massage can be performed externally or intraorally (from the side of the oral mucosa).
Intraoral massage is performed from the side of the oral mucosa. It effectively corrects the inner facial muscles, relaxes the masticatory muscles, reduces jaw tension and helps to prevent teeth grinding problems.
– Another effective way to help relax the masticatory muscles is kinesio taping. The taping method is based on stimulating proprioception through the skin. During the procedure, an elastic kinesiology tape is applied to the areas to be treated.
How does kinesiology tape work?
the tape lifts the skin and creates space for the circulation of interstitial fluid (blood, lymph);
when applied correctly, the tape relaxes a muscle in spasm;
it has a positive effect on muscle memory.
Microcurrents also relax and act on the masticatory muscles. Microcurrents are low-voltage pulsed currents that act directly on the muscles. They relax overstretched (hypertonic) muscles and tone weakened ones. They also act on tissue cells and improve metabolism.