---
title: "What Is Mandible? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "The mandible is the lower jaw bone. It holds the bottom teeth and is the only bone of the skull that moves, which lets you chew and speak."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/mandible
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Anatomy

# Mandible

The mandible is the lower jaw bone. It holds the bottom teeth and is the only bone of the skull that moves, which lets you chew and speak.

The mandible forms the lower jaw. It holds the bottom teeth and attaches to the skull at the [temporomandibular joints](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/temporomandibular-joint-tmj) on each side. Chewing muscles attach to it and move it up, down and side to side.

A nerve called the [inferior alveolar nerve](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/inferior-alveolar-nerve) runs inside the mandible. It carries feeling from the lower teeth and lip.

The mandible and the upper jaw, the [maxilla](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/maxilla), work together when you bite. Problems with either one can affect how your teeth fit together. If your jaw hurts, clicks or does not open fully, tell your dentist. They can check your bite and joints and talk with you about next steps.

## Related terms

-   [Maxilla](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/maxilla)
-   [Jawbone](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/jawbone)
-   [Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/temporomandibular-joint-tmj)
-   [Inferior alveolar nerve](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/inferior-alveolar-nerve)
-   [Alveolar bone](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/alveolar-bone)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Human Skull Anatomy](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/skull-anatomy)
2.  [MedlinePlus: Jaw Injuries | Jaw Disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/jawinjuriesanddisorders.html)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)