Masseter
In the jaw, Elevates Mandible
The masseter muscle is one of the primary muscles involved in chewing and jaw movement. It is located in the cheek area, and is the strongest muscle in the human body relative to its size.
The masseter muscle has two main functions. The first is to elevate the mandible, which is the lower jawbone. This occurs when biting down or chewing. The second function is to help move the mandible laterally, which is important for grinding and breaking down food.
The masseter muscle can become sore or overworked due to excessive gum chewing, teeth clenching or grinding, poor dental alignment, or stress. This can lead to painful conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), headaches, or facial discomfort.
To prevent or alleviate masseter muscle pain, one can practice good dental hygiene, use a mouthguard at night if one clenches or grinds their teeth, avoid excessive gum chewing, and reduce stress through relaxation techniques. In severe cases, a doctor or dentist may recommend medical treatments such as muscle relaxants, physical therapy, or surgery.
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