Abstract
Using subjects conscious of temporomandibular joint sound and normal subjects, the ratio of the masticatory area to the mandibular border movement area was measured. Also, splints were fitted to subjects conscious of TMJ sound and changes of sound and masticatory areas were measured.
1. In normal subjects, the ratio tended to vary little with any of the test foods.
2. In subjects conscious of the TMJ sound, the ratio decreased in the case of all test foods when compared with the normal subjects.
3. In subjects conscious of TMJ sound, it was observed that the TMJ sound occurred in some subjects but not in others during mastication.
4. The decrease in the ratio of the subjects with no TMJ sound during mastication was more outstanding than that of subjects in which TMJ sound occurred during mastication.
5. After fitting splints, the change in the TMJ sound was accompanied by a change in the masticatory area.
6. These findings suggest that the decrease in the mastication area experienced by subjects conscious of TMJ sound, when compared with normal subjects, may be caused by the TMJ sound.
