The influence of gnathic dysfunction caused by TMJ sounds on masticatory efficiency
Evaluation by means of ATP absorbance and chewing gum methods
2002 Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 25-30
Details
2002 Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 25-30
Masticatory is a very important function in our daily lives. However, it is said to be influenced by TMD in several ways. The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of gnathic dysfunction caused by TMJ sounds on masticatory function.
Subjects consisted of 40 individuals (20 males and 20 females) chosen under strict conditions from approximately 5, 000 young adults; all represented a normal occlusion. They were divided into two groups. The dysfunction group consisted of 10 subjects (5 males and 5 females) who had TMJ sounds, and the control group consisted of 30 subjects (15 males and 15 females) who had no gnathic dysfunction. It was confirmed that there was morphologically no significant difference between the two groups in rentgenocephalometrics measurements and occlusal contact area.
We measured masticatory efficiency by means of ATP absorbance and chewing gum methods, which were simple and quick. This way masticatory function can be totally evaluated.
The results of this study are as follows:
1. There was no significant difference between the two groups in masticatory efficiency by means of ATP absorbance method.
2. In masticatory efficiency by means of chewing gum method, the dysfunction group was significantly lower than the control group.
The results suggest that gnathic dysfunction caused by TMJ sounds influences the masticatory function.
