Influence of occlusal interference on the autonomic nervous system

Abstract

We fixed two appliances of 100μm and 2 mm height in five adults to produce occlusal interferences, and studied their influence on the function of the autonomic nervous system. We also attempted to understand the mechanism of the effect produced by the appliances.
     Autonomic nervous system function was measured by videopupillography. The experiment was performed under the two conditions of the mandible at rest and at maximum clenching with the appliances in place. We measured the initial pupil diameter and the maximum constriction velocity as parameters for function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. respectively.
    We found significant differences in the initial pupil diameter and maximum constriction velocity in all subjects between rest and clenching with the 2 mm interference. A significant difference was noted in the initial pupil diameter and maximum constriction velocity in only one subject between rest and clenching with the 100μm interference. Based on the above findings, we concluded that the 2 mm interference altered function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in all subjects. However individual differences were noted in the response to the 100μm interference, suggesting that not periodontal sensation but temporomandibular sensation affect function of the autonomic nervous system.