Comparison of perceived masticatory ability in completely edentulous patients treated with thermoplastic complete denture versus single implant-retained mandibular overdenture: a single-center prospective observational study.

Background: This study aimed to compare the perceived masticatory ability (PrMA) in completely edentulous patients (EDPs) with thermoplastic conventional complete dentures (CDs) versus single implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Methods: The current study was conducted in the outpatient Prosthodontic Clinic, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. PrMA was evaluated in 45 completely edentulous patients (46% males, mean age 50.4 ± 4.7 years). Each patient received a thermoplastic PMMA complete denture (Polyan IC TM Bredent GmbH & Co.KG, Germany). The PrMA was evaluated at one-month and six-month intervals of denture use. An immediate loading single implant was placed into the mid-symphyseal for each patient, and the denture was adjusted. Subsequently, the PrMA was reevaluated after one month and six months. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using the SPSS@V25 to assess the changes in PrMA. Results: The PrMA demonstrated improvement after six months of thermoplastic conventional denture use. However, this improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.405). In addition, the PrMA showed a substantial increase following a single implant placement at one and six months (p < 0.001) of the overdenture use compared to the conventional denture. The PrMA insignificantly improved (p = 0.397) after six months of the single implant retained overdenture use. Discussion: The study's findings indicate that using immediate loading single implant-retained mandibular overdentures significantly improved PrMA in completely edentulous patients.

Effect of Ultrasonic Cleaning Combined with Antibacterial Polypeptide Periodontal Gel on Inflammatory Reaction and Incidence of Adverse Reactions in Patients with Chronic Gingivitis.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonic subgingival curettage in conjunction with antibacterial polypeptide periodontal gel in the management of chronic periodontitis of moderate to severe severity. Methods included dividing 500 hospitalised patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis evenly between an observation group and a control group. Subgingival ultrasonic curettage was performed on the placebo group. The non-treatment group received ultrasonic subgingival curettage and a periodontal gel rinse containing polypeptides. Results were compared before and after treatment in terms of the periodontal index, inflammation in the gingival crevicular fluid, and occlusal and masticatory efficiency. Both groups saw significant reductions in occlusal duration and occlusal force balance after treatment compared to pre-treatment levels, though the observation group saw a more dramatic decrease in these indices than the control group with P ≤ 0.05. The treatment and observation groups both saw significant reductions in the masticatory efficiency standard deviation afterward, but the index in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group with P ≤ 0.05.The authors claim that moderate to severe chronic periodontitis can be effectively treated with a combination of polypeptide periodontal gel and ultrasonic subgingival curettage. Substantial decreases from pre-treatment levels for both groups, with the Observation Group's index being significantly lower than the Control Group's index (P ≤ 0.05). It is possible that this treatment will help reduce inflammation and improve your periodontal health. Biting strength and occlusion stability can both be improved at the same time to help patients improve their chewing efficiency. Therefore, this method can be used securely in real-world patient care settings.

Titanium nanotopography enhances mechano-response of osteocyte three-dimensional network toward osteoblast activation.

The bone turnover capability influences the acquisition and maintenance of osseointegration. The architectures of osteocyte three-dimensional (3D) networks determine the direction and activity of bone turnover through osteocyte intercellular crosstalk, which exchanges prostaglandins through gap junctions in response to mechanical loading. Titanium nanosurfaces with anisotropically patterned dense nanospikes promote the development of osteocyte lacunar-canalicular networks. We investigated the effects of titanium nanosurfaces on intercellular network development and regulatory capabilities of bone turnover in osteocytes under cyclic compressive loading. MLO-Y4 mouse osteocyte-like cell lines embedded in type I collagen 3D gels on titanium nanosurfaces promoted the formation of intercellular networks and gap junctions even under static culture conditions, in contrast to the poor intercellular connectivity in machined titanium surfaces. The osteocyte 3D network on the titanium nanosurfaces further enhanced gap junction formation after additional culturing under cyclic compressive loading simulating masticatory loading, beyond the degree observed on machined titanium surfaces. A prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor cancelled the dual effects of titanium nanosurfaces and cyclic compressive loading on the upregulation of gap junction-related genes in the osteocyte 3D culture. Supernatants from osteocyte monolayer culture on titanium nanosurfaces promoted osteocyte maturation and intercellular connections with gap junctions. With cyclic loading, titanium nanosurfaces induced expression of the regulatory factors of bone turnover in osteocyte 3D cultures, toward higher osteoblast activation than that observed on machined surfaces. Titanium nanosurfaces with anisotropically patterned dense nanospikes promoted intercellular 3D network development and regulatory function toward osteoblast activation in osteocytes activated by cyclic compressive loading, through intercellular crosstalk by prostaglandin.

Analysis of the stomatognathic system functions and mastication muscles in children affected by molar hypomineralization (MH): a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the functions of the stomatognathic system in children with or without molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH). METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, 72 children aged 6-12 years were recruited and divided in two groups: with MIH (G1) and without MIH (G2). T-SCAN was used to verify the distribution of occlusal contacts, gnathodynamometer to measure maximum molar bite force, and Iowa Oral Pressure Instrument (IOPI) to assess the strength of facial expression muscles. The t test and paired t test (p ≤ 0.05) were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: The molars affected by MIH exhibited lower distribution of occlusal forces (p < 0.001) and lower maximum molar bite force (p < 0.05) compared to the molars in the control group. However, there was no difference between the MIH-affected sides compared to the unaffected side, nor between the molars affected by MIH and their antagonists (p > 0.05). There were no differences in the forces of the facial expression muscles between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that MIH significantly impacts occlusal force distribution and bite force, but not facial expression musculature.

Repeated unilateral injections of botulinum toxin in masticatory muscles in adult rats do not amplify condylar and alveolar bone loss nor modify the volume of the hypertrophic bone proliferation at enthesis.

OBJECTIVES: Botulinum toxin is used in human in repeatedly masticatory muscles injections. A single BTX injection in animal induces mandibular bone loss with a muscle enthesis hypertrophic metaplasia. Our aim was to evaluate mandibular bone changes after unilateral repeated injections of BTX in adult rats. STUDY DESIGN: Mature male rats were randomized into 3 groups: one, two or three injections. Each rat received injections in right masseter and temporalis muscles. The left side was the control side. Microcomputed tomography was used to perform 2D and 3D analyses. RESULTS: Bone loss was evidenced on the right sides of alveolar and condylar bone. Alveolar bone volume increased in both control left side and injected right side whereas condylar bone volume remained constant in all groups, for both sides. Enthesis bone hypertrophic metaplasias were evidenced on the BTX injected sides without any modification with the number of injections. CONCLUSION: BTX repeated injections in masticatory muscles lead to major mandibular condylar and alveolar bone loss that does not worsen. They lead to the occurrence of an enthesis bone proliferation that is not dependent on the number of injections. These results are an argument for the safety of BTX injections in masticatory muscles in human.

Functional adaptation of the infant craniofacial system to mechanical loadings arising from masticatory forces.

The morphology and biomechanics of infant crania undergo significant changes between the pre- and post-weaning phases due to increasing loading of the masticatory system. The aims of this study were to characterize the changes in muscle forces, bite forces and the pattern of mechanical strain and stress arising from the aforementioned forces across crania in the first 48 months of life using imaging and finite element methods. A total of 51 head computed tomography scans of normal individuals were collected and analysed from a larger database of 217 individuals. The estimated mean muscle forces of temporalis, masseter and medial pterygoid increase from 30.9 to 87.0 N, 25.6 to 69.6 N and 23.1 to 58.9 N, respectively (0-48 months). Maximum bite force increases from 90.5 to 184.2 N (3-48 months). There is a change in the pattern of strain and stress from the calvaria to the face during postnatal development. Overall, this study highlights the changes in the mechanics of the craniofacial system during normal development. It further raises questions as to how and what level of changes in the mechanical forces during the development can alter the morphology of the craniofacial system.

ß2-adrenergic receptor activation decreases the mechanical sensitivity of rat masticatory muscle afferent fibres.

BACKGROUND: Activation of ß2 adrenergic receptors reduces cutaneous mechanical pain thresholds in rats. While ß2 adrenergic receptor activation may contribute to mechanisms that underlie temporomandibular joint pain, its effect on masticatory muscle pain sensitivity is uncertain. OBJECTIVES: The current study sought to determine the extent to which ß adrenergic receptors are expressed by masticatory muscle afferent fibres, and to assess the effect of local activation of these receptors on the mechanical sensitivity of masticatory muscle afferent fibres in rats. METHODS: Trigeminal ganglion neurons that innervate the rat (n = 12) masseter muscle and lower lip were identified by tissue injection of fluorescent dyes and were then stained with antibodies against ß1 or ß2 adrenergic receptors. Extracellular recordings from 60 trigeminal ganglion neurons that innervate the masticatory muscle were undertaken in a second group of anaesthetised rats of both sexes (n = 37) to assess afferent mechanical activation thresholds. Thresholds were assessed before and after injection of the ß adrenergic receptor agonists into masticatory muscle. RESULTS: ß1 and ß2 adrenergic receptor expression was greater in labial skin than in masticatory muscle ganglion neurons (p < .05, one-way ANOVA, Holm-Sidak test). There was a higher expression of ß2 adrenergic receptors in masticatory muscle ganglion neurons in males than in females. The mixed ß agonist isoproterenol increased afferent mechanical activation threshold in male but not female rats (p < .05, Mann-Whitney test). In male rats, salbutamol, a ß2 selective agonist, also increased afferent mechanical activation threshold but hydralazine, a vasodilator, did not (p < .05, Mann-Whitney test). CONCLUSION: Activation of ß2 adrenergic receptors decreases the mechanical sensitivity of masticatory muscle afferent fibres in a sex-related manner.

The effect of clear aligner treatment on masticatory muscles (masseter, temporalis) activity in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of clear aligners is becoming more common for aesthetic orthodontic treatment, but there are still concerns about how they affect mastication biomechanics in the short and long term. The clear aligners treatment (CAT) mechanism changes the position of the mandible and maxilla, especially impacting the masseter muscle. Surface electromyography (sEMG) proves to be a useful method to evaluate masticatory muscle activity (MMA). OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effect of clear aligners treatment on alterations in masticatory muscles (masseter, temporalis) using surface electromyography. SEARCH METHODS: Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) were searched up to March 2024. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies in which MMA was evaluated after the installation of orthodontic clear aligners. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Screening, data extraction, and quality assessments were performed by four investigators independently. The data, which evaluated temporalis and masseter muscle characteristics during CAT using surface electromyography, was extracted, and the quality of the studies was evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). RESULTS: Six studies (two prospective cohort studies, three observational longitudinal studies, and one observational longitudinal case-control study) with low and moderate risk of bias were included in the qualitative synthesis. Six of these were also included in the meta-analysis. Our study investigated the dynamics of masseter and temporalis muscle activity during CAT. The results show that during maximal voluntary clenching, the masseter muscle demonstrated a significant initial increase (P < .05) followed by a subsequent non-significant decrease. It also showed that submaximal voluntary clenching consistently exhibited a significant reduction in muscle activity throughout the study period (P < .01). Assessment of muscle activity at the mandibular resting position revealed a variety of responses, with some participants showing a significant increase while others exhibited non-significant changes (P < .05, P > .05, respectively). However, the meta-analysis showed a non-significant difference in measuring masseter and temporalis muscles activity during CAT. CONCLUSIONS: Based on existing evidence, it is reasonable to conclude that CAT affected MMA. During maximal voluntary clenching, masseter muscle activity initially increased but later decreased, while temporalis muscle activity showed mixed results. Submaximal voluntary clenching revealed a consistent decrease in muscle activity over time. Mandibular resting position assessments showed both increases and no significant changes in muscle activity. However, the existing literature is insufficient to draw concrete conclusions; therefore, well-conducted further research is needed to confirm this statement. REGISTRATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42024522231).

An Algorithm for Jaw Pain among Divers.

Background: Temporomandibular disease (TMD) is commonly seen, and divers also experience pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or masticatory muscles. This article aims to provide a tool for diving physicians or medical professionals involved in diving medicine since jaw pain among divers is a pertinent subject and can be challenging to evaluate without some background in dentistry or maxillofacial surgery. Method: A basic algorithm was developed to provide a tool to differentiate jaw pains experienced by divers. Three brief case studies were developed, and five diving physicians were tasked with diagnosing the cases using the algorithm. Additionally, simple exercises and massage techniques that can benefit patients with TMD, particularly immediately after diving, are outlined. Results: All five diving physicians successfully diagnosed the cases using the algorithm. However, three of them were unable to diagnose the first case (disc luxation) without consulting the algorithm. Nevertheless, all physicians acknowledged the utility of the algorithm. Conclusions: Jaw pain in divers can stem from diverse causes, but effective treatment options exist. Our study findings provide valuable insights to assist diving physicians in making accurate diagnoses and guiding appropriate patient management, which may include referrals to specialists such as dentists, maxillofacial surgeons, or orthodontists.

Skeletal Anterior Open Bite Attenuates the Chewing-Related Increase in Brain Blood Flow.

The masticatory function of patients with skeletal anterior open bite (OPEN) is reported to be impaired compared with that of patients with normal occlusion (NORM). In this study, we compared brain blood flow (BBF) in patients with OPEN and NORM and investigated the factors related to BBF during mastication in patients with OPEN. The study included 17 individuals with NORM and 33 patients with OPEN. The following data were collected: number of occlusal contacts, jaw movement variables during mastication, and BBF measured with functional near-infrared spectroscopy during chewing. The number of occlusal contacts, maximum closing and opening speeds, closing angle, and vertical amplitude were smaller in the OPEN than in the NORM group. Interestingly, BBF increased less in the OPEN group. Correlation analysis revealed that several parameters, including number of occlusal contacts and closing angle, were correlated with changes in BBF during mastication. These results suggest that not only occlusion but also jaw movement variables and factors related to masticatory muscles contribute to the chewing-related increase in BBF. In conclusion, BBF increases less during mastication in patients with OPEN than in those with NORM. In addition, the higher increase in BBF is correlated with jaw movement. Together, we discovered that OPEN exhibits significant adverse effects not only on masticatory function but also on brain function.

Exploring botulinum toxin's impact on masseter hypertrophy: a randomized, triple-blinded clinical trial.

The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness and functional adverse effects of a single and multiple injections of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) for masseter hypertrophy (MH). Twenty-six women complaining about lower third facial enlargement due to MH, received 75 U of BoNT-A (abobotulinum toxin) in each masseter muscles. After 3 months, patients were randomly assigned to receive a second treatment session of Saline Solution: (G1; n = 11) or BoNT-A: (G2; n = 12). Muscle thickness (ultrasound), electrical activity (electromyography; EMG), masticatory performance, and subjective perception of MH were evaluated. Follow-up was performed at 1, 3 and 6 months. Muscle thickness, EMG activity, and masticatory performance were analyzed using ANOVA two-way and Sidak test as post-hoc. Masticatory performance was analyzed by the Friedman's test and Mann-Whitney test. Regarding inter-groups comparisons, there was a significant decrease in the left masseter muscle thickness in the G2 group at the 6 month follow-up (p < 0.02). For EMG, significant differences were evident at the 6 month assessment, with higher masseter activity for G1 (p < 0.05). For masticatory performance, no significant differences were observed throughout the study (p > 0.05) and a higher improvement in subjective perception of MH was observed in the 1 month follow-up for G2 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, BoNT-A is effective for MH, however multiple injections cause functional adverse effects in masseter muscle.

Myological and osteological approaches to gape and bite force reconstruction in Smilodon fatalis.

Masticatory gape and bite force are important behavioral and ecological variables. While much has been written about the highly derived masticatory anatomy of Smilodon fatalis, there remains a great deal of debate about their masticatory behaviors. To that end, we establish osteological proxies for masticatory adductor fascicle length (FL) based on extant felids and apply these along with previously validated techniques to S. fatalis to provide estimates of fascicle lengths, maximum osteological gapes, and bite force. While the best correlated FL proxies in extant felids do not predict particularly long fascicles, these proxies may be of value for less morphologically distinct felids. A slightly less well correlated proxy predicts a temporalis FL 15% longer than that of Panthera tigris. While angular maximum bony gape is significantly larger in S. fatalis than it is in extant felids, linear gape at the canine tip and carnassial notch were not significantly different from those of extant felids. Finally, we produce anatomical bite force estimates of 1283.74 N at the canine and 4671.41 N at the carnassial, which are similar in magnitude to estimates not of the largest felids but of the much smaller P. onca, with S. fatalis producing slightly less force at the canines and more at the carnassials. These estimates align with previous predictions that S. fatalis may have killed large prey with canine shearing bites produced, in part, by force contributions of the postcranial muscles.

Anatomical factors influencing temporomandibular joint clicking in young adults: temporomandibular joint structure disorder or lateral pterygoid muscle dysfunction?

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the selected anatomical factors that can potentially influence temporomandibular joint (TMJ) clicking in young adults by assessing TMJ structures and lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) function using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: The patients were divided into four groups: the healthy control group; the clicking on mouth opening group; the clicking on mouth closing group; and the clicking on mouth opening and closing group. Additionally, we used clinical palpation to evaluate the masticatory muscles' functional state and employed MRI using the OCOR-T1WI-FSE-CLOSED, OSAG-PDW-FSE-CLOSED, and OSAG-PDW-FSE-OPEN sequences to analyze the texture of the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM). Results: The proportion of any articular disc or condylar morphology class did not differ significantly between the TMJ clicking and HC groups. The articular disc position did not differ significantly between the TMJ clicking and HC groups. In the TMJ clicking group, the presence of masticatory muscle dysfunction differed significantly between the clicking and non-clicking sides. Moreover, the LPM accounted for the highest proportion among masticatory muscles with tenderness in all TMJ clicking subgroups (77.78%-100%). Therefore, in the TMJ clicking group, the LPM texture was less defined, more uniform in gray scale, and more similar to local texture (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The occurrence of TMJ clicking in young adults is unrelated to the TMJ structure but related to the function of masticatory muscles, particularly the LPM.

Very old age impacts masticatory performance: a study among sexagenarians to centenarians.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional pilot study evaluated the impact of age on masticatory performance among individuals aged 65 to 106 years, as part of the Heidelberg Dental Centenarian Study (HD-100Z) conducted in South-Western Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 31 centenarians were recruited, alongside 31 individuals each from the age groups 75-99 and 65-74, matched based on sex, prosthetic status, and number of teeth. Masticatory performance was assessed using a two-colored chewing gum test and digital image processing. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of age, sex, number of teeth, type of prosthesis on the masticatory performance. RESULTS: Masticatory performance, as measured by the standard deviation of hue in the chewing gum test, decreased significantly in centenarians compared to individuals aged 75-99 years (-0.112, p = 0.037) and those aged 65-74 years (-0.274, p < 0.001). The effects of sex, number of teeth, and type of prosthesis on masticatory performance were not significant associations (p ≥ 0.135). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that age may have a significant influence on masticatory performance in the studied age groups, challenging previous notions that aging itself has little impact on masticatory ability. The inclusion of centenarians in the study highlights the need for further investigation into masticatory function in age groups reaching up to 100 years or more. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study contributes to the understanding of how ageing affects oral function, which may guide dental treatment approaches for older individuals, and set the stage for more in-depth investigations in this field in the future.

Signal to noise ratio of masticatory muscle activity of functional and non-functional oral tasks.

BACKGROUND: Electromyographic activity (EMG) of masticatory muscles during wakefulness is understudied. It is unclear if single channel ambulatory EMG devices are sensitive enough to detect masticatory muscle activity (MMA) during wakefulness. OBJECTIVES: To compare the MMA of various oral tasks recorded with a single channel EMG device ((Grindcare4-datalogger Prototype device) (GC4-ß)) and a conventional EMG (cEMG) device. METHODS: EMG activity of 30 standardised oral tasks was recorded unilaterally from the masseter and anterior temporalis muscle in 24 healthy volunteers using GC4-ß and a cEMG device. To compare the EMG data, signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) were calculated as a way to normalise EMG activity across tasks. Analysis of variance was used to compare the SNR between the devices, muscles and oral tasks. RESULTS: SNR measured from GC4-ß was overall significantly higher than the cEMG device (p =.001). The SNR for maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was significantly higher than all other tasks (p <.001). SNR for temporalis with GC4-ß was significantly higher for MVC, hard food, soft food, gum chewing (dominant side), rhythmic clenching and upper lip biting compared to the cEMG device (p <.021). The SNR for masseter with GC4-ß was significantly higher for hard food and gum chewing (dominant side), rhythmic clenching, rhythmic biting of an object and yawning compared to the cEMG device (p <.022). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel insight into the EMG patterns of numerous oral tasks enhancing knowledge of physiological differences between the masticatory muscles. Further, single channel EMG devices can effectively measure the EMG activity of various oral tasks during wakefulness.

Is there a relationship between the presence of external root resorption in second molars adjacent to impacted mandibular third molars with awake bruxism and masticatory muscle activity?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess whether awake bruxism and masticatory muscle activity could be related to external root resorption (ERR) in second molars adjacent to impacted mandibular third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients, with requests for a cone-beam, computed tomography, were divided into two groups: ERR (patients with ERR in the second molar, n = 30), and control group (n = 30). Awake bruxism was assessed through the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC) and an ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the masseter and anterior temporal muscle function. Normality and homogeneity of variances were demonstrated. Descriptive analysis was performed, using the T-test and Chi-square test to compare the characteristics of the groups. A multiple regression model was performed. RESULTS: The ERR group presented more non-functional oral activities related to awake bruxism than the control group, according to OBC (p = 0.027) and EMA (p = 0.035). In addition, the ERR group had higher EMG activity than the control group in rest and isotonic protocols (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Awake bruxism and greater masticatory muscle activity seem to be related to the presence of ERR in second molars adjacent to impacted mandibular third molars. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the present study can reinforce the theory that triggering ERR in the second molars adjacent to impacted mandibular third molars may be related to mechanical forces coming from the masticatory function.

The test of masticating and swallowing solids (ToMaSS): An investigation of applicability and clinical utility in children with orofacial myofunctional disorders.

BACKGROUND: Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) are often associated with limitations of oral ingestion of solid food. The Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (ToMaSS) is a simple diagnostic tool to assess and quantify oropharyngeal efficiency while eating a standardised cracker. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the applicability and clinical utility of the ToMaSS in children with OMD. METHODS: In this case-control study, data were collected from 18 children between 4 and 11 years with confirmed OMD. Inter-rater reliability and age effects on the ToMaSS parameters were investigated and the specific performance profile of the OMD children was identified. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability was excellent for the ToMaSS parameters 'bites' (ICC = .999), 'masticatory cycles' (ICC = .961), 'time'(ICC≧ .999) and good for 'number of swallows' (ICC = .810). 'Masticatory cycles' and 'time' decreased as a function of age with a significant difference in the 'number of masticatory cycles' between the youngest (4-6 years) and oldest (10-14 years) participants (p = .006, Z = -2.739). Deviations from normative data in at least one of the four ToMaSS parameters were found in 90% of the OMD children with 'bites', and 'masticatory cycles' predominantly corresponding to the performances expected in typically-developing children in younger age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The ToMaSS is a reliable diagnostic instrument and clinically useful to detect limited efficiency of oral solid bolus intake and specific impairments in chewing function and duration of food intake in children with OMD. Our data suggest that OMD is associated with delayed development of efficient solid bolus preparation.

Efficacy of hard gummy candy chewing in improving masticatory function in Japanese children aged 6-12 years: a clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Japanese children have been shown to exhibit decreased masticatory function; however, limited evidence is available regarding the efficacy of certain food items in improving this issue. Therefore, this study examined the effects of chewing hard gummy candy on the masticatory function of Japanese children aged 6-12 years. METHODS: The study included 26 participants (10 boys and 16 girls; mean age ± standard error = 9.3 ± 0.3 years) who were asked to chew hard gummy candy twice daily for 4 weeks at home. The lip-closing force, occlusal force, and masticatory performance of the participants were recorded before commencement (T1), 4 weeks after commencement (T2), and 4 weeks after completion (T3) of the training. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: No correlation was observed between masticatory function and sex at T1. The lip-closing and right occlusal forces increased significantly after 4 weeks of exercise, and the effects persisted for another 4 weeks after completion. The masticatory performance also improved after training, although these effects did not persist and deteriorated substantially 4 weeks after completion of the training. CONCLUSIONS: Habitual mastication training using hard gummy candy markedly enhances masticatory function (e.g., lip-closing force, occlusal force, and masticatory performance) in Japanese children.

Effectiveness of bruxism treatment in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the developed algorithm for treatment and prevention measures aimed at eliminating clinical manifestations of bruxism in young people. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: A cohort of 377 individuals aged 25 to 44 years underwent examination. Based on identified etiological factors, three distinct groups were delineated. Treatment and preventive strategies were then implemented and evaluated. Tailored treatment algorithms were devised for each group: Group one received selective grinding of supracontacts (up to 0.5-0.75 mm) and treatment for orthodontic issues utilizing removable and fixed orthodontic structures. Group two underwent finger self-massage of masticatory muscles, fabrication of biting dental splints, and anti-inflammatory drug therapy. Group three received sedative drug therapy in conjunction with psychiatric consultation, based on indications. Treatment efficacy was assessed 12 months post-initiation. Statistical analyses were conducted using Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft, Inc., USA) and Microsoft Office Excel 2010. RESULTS: Results: In cases where orthodontic pathology and supracontacts predominated (r=0.99, p<0.05), employing selective grinding and orthodontic treatment according to specific indications yielded significant efficacy. This approach resulted in a notable reduction in bruxism severity, corroborated by occludogram results 12 months post-treatment initiation. Notably, 90.0% of occludogram indicators fell within the 90-100% range, accompanied by a decrease in the BruxChecker abrasion facets area (p<0.05). Further, there was a substantial enhancement in occlusal contacts (Ck=0.68, Ck =0.71, Ck =0.93). In instances where TMJ pathology predominated with high reliability (r=0.98, p<0.05), effective normalization of masticatory muscle tone and alleviation of temporomandibular joint issues were observed. After 12 months, palpation revealed minimal tenderness in specific muscle areas and normalization of electromyography readings from initial indicators (p<0.05). Moreover, when the psycho-emotional factor primarily contributed to bruxism etiology (r=0.97, p<0.05), medical intervention proved effective. This approach led to bruxism disappearance and normalization of the psycho-emotional state within 12 months (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The conducted studies provide high-confidence evidence of the effectiveness of bruxism treatment when diagnosing the prevailing etiological factor and targeting its specific impact, leading to the normalization of all other factors, a reduction in bruxism intensity, and its complete disappearance.

Efficacy of massage versus massage with post isometric relaxation in temporomandibular disorders: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common condition affecting the masticatory muscles and joint mobility. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to compare the effects of massage therapy alone and massage therapy combined with post-isometric relaxation exercises in patients with TMD for pain and maximal mouth opening. DESIGN: Assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Dental Hospital, Lahore Medical and Dental Hospital. SUBJECTS: Temporomandibular joint disorder patients. INTERVENTION: Group A (n = 23) received conventional treatment including massage and therapeutic exercises consecutively for 2 weeks. Group B (n = 23) received post-isometric relaxation technique along with conventional treatment for consecutive 2 weeks. MAIN MEASURES: The main outcome measures were pain and maximal mouth opening. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and maximal mouth opening (MMO) was measured using the TheraBite Scale. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain and MMO scores post-treatment. However, Group B (massage with post-isometric relaxation exercises) showed significantly better outcomes compared to Group A (massage alone). There was a statistically significant difference in post-treatment pain scores (P = 0.000) and MMO scores (P = 0.000) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that massage therapy combined with post-isometric relaxation is more effective than massage therapy alone in managing pain and improving mouth opening in TMD patients. The study provides evidence supporting the use of these therapies in TMD management. TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: NCT05810831. Date of registration/First submission: 15 March 2023.