Abstract
[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the effect of changes in occlusal contact on postural control via a comparative analysis of the stability limits area, postural sway area, and index of postural stability in the mandibular resting position and under 15% and 30% clenching conditions.
[Materials and Methods] A total of 26 healthy young men without body abnormalities, including those of the stomatognathic system, who gave consent to the study were included as subjects. A foot pressure distribution meter was used to measure the stability limits area and postural sway area and to determine the index of postural stability under each condition.
[Results] There were no significant differences in the stability limits area under each condition, but an enlarging tendency was observed with increased clenching intensity. The postural sway area in the 15% clenching group was significantly reduced compared to the 30% clenching group. The index of postural stability was significantly different between the 15% clenching and 30% clenching group, and the posture was found to be stable in the 15% clenching group.
[Conclusion] Our findings suggest that occlusal contact affects postural control. Because the effects differ according to the clenching intensity in particular, the role of clenching was thought to be different based on different movements and motion patterns.
