Protection: Cheeks provide a protective barrier for the inner oral cavity, including the teeth, gums, and tongue. They help prevent foreign objects from entering the oral cavity and protect the sensitive tissues from damage.
Facilitation of Chewing: Cheeks help contain food within the mouth during chewing by providing support and pressure against the teeth. This facilitates the chewing process and helps break down food into smaller, digestible pieces.
Speech Articulation: Cheeks play a crucial role in speech articulation by working in conjunction with the tongue, lips, and palate to shape sounds and form words. They help control airflow and pressure within the oral cavity, which is essential for producing various speech sounds.
Support for Dentures: In individuals wearing dentures, cheeks provide support and stability for the prosthesis. Properly fitted dentures rely on the natural contours of the cheeks to hold them in place during speaking and eating.
Saliva Production: Cheeks contain numerous minor salivary glands that contribute to saliva production. Saliva helps lubricate the oral tissues, aids in swallowing, and plays a role in maintaining oral hygiene by rinsing away food particles and bacteria.
Sensation: Cheeks contain sensory nerves that provide feedback to the brain about the temperature, texture, and taste of food during eating. This sensory information helps regulate chewing and swallowing movements.
