Moving your lower jaw back, also known as retruding your mandible, is typically done by specific muscle actions or, in a clinical setting, with the assistance of a medical professional.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
1. Muscle Action (Voluntary Retrusion):
- The primary muscles responsible for pulling your jaw back are the temporalis (posterior fibers) and the digastric (anterior belly) muscles.
- Consciously contract these muscles. You'll feel a slight pull backward. The amount of backward movement is limited by your jaw's anatomy and the tension of other muscles.
2. Clinical Setting (Manual Retrusion):
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Purpose: This is usually performed by dentists or doctors to address a dislocated jaw or to realign the jaw for treatment purposes.
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Procedure (as described in the reference):
- The professional will typically wrap their fingers with gauze for better grip and protection.
- They place their thumbs inside your mouth on the lower back teeth (molars).
- Their remaining fingers are positioned around the bottom of your lower jaw (mandible).
- They apply downward pressure on the back teeth with their thumbs. Simultaneously, they gently push the chin upward with their fingers.
- This maneuver helps to disengage the jaw joint and guide it back into its normal position.
Important Considerations:
- Do not attempt manual manipulation on yourself or others. This can cause serious injury to the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint - TMJ), muscles, and teeth.
- If you suspect a jaw dislocation or experience persistent jaw pain or clicking, consult a dentist, doctor, or TMJ specialist immediately.
- Muscle imbalances or TMJ disorders can affect your jaw's ability to move properly. Treatment may involve physical therapy, medication, or other interventions.
