咬合と姿勢との関係について

抄録

As dentists we have mainly devoted ourselves to observing only the oral cavity. However, it should be kept in mind that the oral cavity is only part of the body. Considering the function of one's whole body, the oral cavity is not only a masticatory organ but also an important factor in the maintenance of posture. It should also be remembered that the oral cavity has a close relationship to one's neck muscles which directly effect the circulatory system. When blood carrying its full measure of oxygen and nutrition flows without any interference and the nervous system is not under any pressure, the body's healing power will be enhanced enabling a person to live a healthier and more productive life.
Studying fig.5, we recognize that occlusal disorders and diseases are closely related. Diseases are not contracted unless one of the four elements such as physical construction, personality, living environment and age of a patient is somehow deficient.
Every opinion on occlusion has its own virtue and brings a certain efficiency to practical treatment. In this sense the principles of gnathology play an important role in clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Its success rate is only about 80 percent. It is essential to consider the patient's posture and accompanying symptoms in order to obtain a full rate of success in treatment. If this is successfully done, I predict that it may not be long before dentistry surpasses general medicine. When the occlusion cured by a dentist makes it possible for a patient to control his posture, the elimination of the causes of many diseases may be handled by the dentist only.
As dentists we may be able to make a contribution in a greater sphere of health care, and I would like to propose that this should be regarded as a third medical science.