Correlation of mastication and masticatory movements and effect of chewing side preference.
The aims of this study were to correlate masticatory performance with mandibular movements during mastication, and to evaluate masticatory performance and mandibular movements of subjects with different types of mastication. Seventy-eight healthy dentate subjects were selected and divided into 2 groups: bilateral and unilateral chewers. This classification was set by using kinesiography during mastication of an artificial material. Unilateral mastication was defined as the majority of the cycles took place at one specific side. The same tracings used to define type of mastication were used to evaluate mandibular movements by means of its parameters. Masticatory performance was analyzed by comminution of the artificial material and a sieving method. Statistical analysis was performed by Spearman's correlation method, and Mann-Whitney and Student's t-test, when appropriate, at 5% significance level. No correlation was found between masticatory performance and parameters of mandibular movement during mastication. Bilateral chewers presented significantly better (p<0.05) masticatory performance than unilateral ones, however no differences in parameters of mandibular movement were found between groups. Within the limits of this study, it may be concluded that parameters of jaw movements during mastication are not related to masticatory performance, and that the presence of a preferred chewing side worsens mastication.
Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontology, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
Simone Guimarães
SG
Farias Gomes
William
W
Custodio
Juliana Silva
JS
Moura Jufer
Altair Antoninha
AA
Del Bel Cury
Renata Cunha Matheus
RC
Rodrigues Garcia
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000502:physiology*; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D055815:Young Adult