Mastication and Swallowing: 2. Control

From Volume 36, Issue 7, September 2009 | Pages 390-398

Authors

Samuel W Cadden

BSc, BDS, PhD, FDS RCS(Edin)

Professor of Oral Biology, Section of Clinical Dental Sciences, The Dental School, University of Dundee, Park Place, Dundee DD1 4HN

Articles by Samuel W Cadden

Robert Orchardson

BSc, BDS, PhD, FDS RCPS(Glasg)

Institute of Biomedical & Life Sciences, Laboratory of Human Anatomy, University of Glasgow

Articles by Robert Orchardson

Abstract

In recent years, it has become clear that the neural mechanisms controlling chewing and swallowing emanate from centres in the brainstem. However, these activities may be modulated by conscious processes and by feedback from peripheral nerves. This review relates this knowledge to clinical dentistry and, in particular, to the possible relationship between craniomandibular dysfunctions and impaired control of the masticatory system.

Article