THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF MASTICATION AND GENERAL MOTOR CONTROL

Understanding the role of the jaw and teeth in the control of mastication by the neurophysiological mechanisms provides an important contribution to the maintenance of oral and general health status of individuals. peripheral receptors play a central role in the control of mastication and the most important of these are the periodontal mechanoreceptors. these receptors regulate intra-oral motor functions and these functions contribute to the general motor functions. other than helping to crush food particles during chewing, these receptors also have the following functions: (1) they protect mouth and teeth with their special sensory properties; (2) they initiate reflexes that maintain smooth mastication; (3) they contribute to the general musculo-skeletal system and the total body strength.