A LITERATURE REVIEW OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE STOMATOGNATHIC

SYSTEM ON BODY POSTURE

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By

Philip B. Nation

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A THESIS

Submitted to the faculty of the Graduate School of the Creighton University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Department of Oral Biology

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Omaha, NE April 27, 2015

   

iii    

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The stomatognathic system (SS) is a functional unit made up of the jaws,

dental arches, masticatory muscles, and associated structures. The components of the SS act in

unison to influence or control functional activities such as phonation, deglutition, mastication, and

respiration. The aim of this literature review was to determine the impact of functional activities of

the stomatognathic system on overall body posture based on available research studies.

RESOURCES: A thorough literature review of scholarly publications from peer reviewed journals

was conducted.

DESCRIPTION: The review included available research material dealing with the functional impact

of the SS on body posture. Emphasis was placed on similar findings and correlations to dental

occlusion.

SIGNIFICANCE: A proven causal link or predictable relationship between stomatognathic

function and positioning of the spine, ribcage, or pelvis would influence clinical treatment methods

for a wide range of orthopedic issues such as scoliosis and low back pain. The literature has shown

that body posture appears modifiable under experimental conditions, however, these findings seem

limited to the head and neck region and in the case of occlusal interference evidence points to

predominantly transient changes. A causal link or predictable relationship between dental occlusion

and body posture did not emerge from the studies included suggesting low clinical significance of

findings.

iv      

Table of Contents

Title Page

Title Page……………………………………………………………………………. i

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………... iii

Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………… iv

1 – Introduction……………………………………………………………………. 1

1.1 – Background………………………………………………………………….... 2

1.2 – Equilibrium………………..………………………………………………….. 2-3

1.3 – Posture…………….………………………………………………………....... 3-4

1.4 – Measurement of muscle action...……………………………………………… 4-5

2 – Methods..………………………………………………………………………. 5-6

3 – Results..………………………………………………………………………... 6

3.1 – Mandibular depression……...………………………………………………… 6-8

3.2 – Head posture and occlusion..………………………………………………...... 8-9

3.3 – Cervical spine………………………...………………………………………... 9

3.4 – Posture affected by respiration...……………………………………………..... 9-12

3.5 – Altered occlusal effects on cervical spine and head posture...…………………. 12-15

3.6 – Dental occlusion affects body posture………………………………………… 15-19

3.7 – Dental occlusion, scoliosis, and reciprocal connections...……………………...19-21

3.8 – Dental occlusion does not alter body posture….……………………………… 21-24

4 – Conclusions…...…………………………...…………………………………... 24-26

6 – References……………………………………………………………………… 27-41

1    1 – Introduction

The stomatognathic system (SS) is considered a functional unit regulating deglutition,

speech, chewing, and respiration. The SS consists of the maxilla and mandible and their associated

dental arches, muscles of mastication (MM), temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the associated

neural and vascular supply. The current literature and studies reflecting the effect of the SS on

overall body posture displays both promising connections between the two (4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 19,

20, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, 32, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 47, 49, 51, 55, 57, 63, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 87,

88, 89, 91, 93, 94, 96, 97, 100, 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, 113, 117, 118) as well as studies that show

no correlation and further question the clinical significance and connection made by other

researchers (2, 5, 33, 35, 64, 66, 67, 68,70, 71, 80, 81, 82, 83, 95). The subjective nature of body

posture as well as conflicting results from research studies has made forming concrete conclusions

difficult for authors reviewing the literature (19, 81).

The consequence of proving connections between the functional activities of the SS would have

great clinical significance in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the rest of the body,

such as scoliosis, orthopedic dysfunctions, and low back pain.

My hypothesis is that mechanical dysfunction (tension/dysfunction in MM) or altered

neural/proprioceptive input to the SS will cause postural deviations (adaptive responses) in the head

and neck which leading to compensatory changes in overall body posture. The goal of this literature

review is to specifically address the following questions/topics:

1) Can the SS cause a compensatory change in head and neck posture due to altered/faulty

proprioceptive in put or mechanical stresses?

2) Can alterations in the SS system cause alterations in other body segments (thoracic spine,

ribs, pelvis) and thus affect overall body posture?

3) Why there is such conflicting research/conclusions on the topic of body posture and the SS.

2    

1.1 - Background

The mandible, maxilla, palate, pharynx, and oral cavity along with the associated muscles and

vascular/nervous innervation form one functional unit making up the head and neck.

Embryologically this functional unit originates from bilateral swellings on the sides of the

rudimentary pharynx called the pharyngeal arches. Neural crest cell migration from the mid and

hindbrain leads to proliferation of ectomesenchyme (germ layers) from which all the

bone/cartilage/and connective tissue of the SS develop separately from the skeletal

system/connective tissue of the rest of the body. The muscles of mastication (MM) develop from

paraxial mesoderm much like the rest of the skeletal muscle in the body. The neck serves to

structurally communicate the trachea, esophagus, vascular structures, and spinal cord from the head

to the body, all of which are vital for survival. There are also key structures that connect the muscles

of the head, cervical spine, and neck as a functional unit, namely the hyoid bone with supra and infra

hyoid muscles, sternocleidomastoid (SCM), suboccipital muscles, semispinalis capitus, splenius

capitus, trapezius and the stylopharangeas muscle.

1.2 - Equilibrium

Human bipedal stance is characterized by an inherent instability known as body sway, that

necessitates continuous corrective muscular activity be taken to counteract the constant destabilizing

effects of gravity on humans (50). Static gravitational forces affect the human body at rest and

during equilibrium (56). Static gravitational forces can also alter the interaction of agonists,

antagonists, and stabilizers in voluntary or involuntary kinetic movements. (56). Humans have an

inherent passive instability and must continually search for active postural stability through muscular

coordination resultant from a constant barrage of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory peripheral

inputs (46).

3    Biologically dynamic systems such as humans will naturally revert toward the most efficient and

metabolically cost effective way to perform mechanical work. The postural system of the bipedal

human body is tasked with maintaining equilibrium which is characterized by balanced forces and

torques among a set of interlinked segments and the applicable forces acting on these segments (46).

This static equilibrium is best achieved by keeping major body segments

(head/shoulders/spine/pelvis/knees) and the center of mass in line with the base of support (over

the feet). This posture would signify the most metabolically efficient linkage of these bio mechanical

segments for optimal functioning and represents equilibrium among body structures (56).

1.3 - Posture

Balance can be characterized as the ability to control equilibrium. Body posture from a clinical

viewpoint is viewed as the biomechanical linkage of symmetric relationships between musculoskeletal

segments and can be measured somewhat subjectively by the plumb line (56). A more objective way

to measure posture is through the human body’s response to gravity. This method assesses balance,

which is based on measuring the vertical projection of a body’s center of mass (CoM). We can also

refer to CoM as center of gravity (CoG) since all masses on earth are subject to gravity.

Measurement of CoG over the base of support (BoS) is defined quantitatively by center of pressure

(CoP) (50). In human two feet standing CoP is defined to a limited area due to the fact the BoS is

equal to the area below and between the feet, due to the fact the force vector of gravity is located at

the CoM pointing straight downward (50). Velocity can affect CoM by being directed toward the

CoM or away from the CoM. This is due to bipedal ability to voluntarily manipulate our CoM as well

as the CoP via muscular action in the sagittal plane by the ankle plantar flexors and dorsiflexors and

in the frontal plane via the hip abductors.

Stability can be defined as a resistance to disruption of equilibrium (46). Multi-segmented bodies can

change configuration, and thus change weight distribution causing CoM as a whole to be shifted (46).

Alterations in bipedal CoM can also occur during respiration and normal physiologic functions (12,

4    16, 25, 41). Changes in foot position have also been found to alter CoM, with researchers showing

decrease in frontal plane “sway” upon widening the BoS. Research has also shown that standing

with one foot in front of the other increases sagittal plane sway as well as frontal plane sway (46).

The COG is the point on a body where the sum torques (rotary force), which are created by weights

(amount of gravitational force exerted on a body) on opposite sides of the center of gravity, are equal

(46).

1.4 - Measurement of muscle action

Skeletal muscle produces a detectable current (voltage) when the muscle develops tension, even if the

stimulus is just a nerve impulse. Skeletal muscle also develops tension when electrically stimulated

(46). The technique used to record the myoelectric activity of skeletal muscle is electromyography

(EMG). An EMG is useful in identifying which motor units respond to central nervous system

commands and which muscles develop tension as a result of specific movements. Transducers

(electrodes) are either positioned on the skin directly over a specific muscle or muscle group to pick

up global myoelectric activity (surface electrodes, sEMG) or fine wire electrodes are injected directly

into a muscle to detect more localized electrical activity of specific muscles (46).

Stomatognathic influence on total body posture is mainly evaluated quantitatively by measurement of

ground reaction forces generated by the natural postural sway of the body through the pressure and

forces on the planter surface of the foot.

Force platforms (force plates) measure ground reaction forces resulting from the point of application

(the CoP or the feet) in vertical, lateral, and anterior posterior directions by specifically placed load

cells. Pressure platforms measure pressure changes across the planter surfaces of the feet (46).

Body posture can be measured by different methods. Dynamic methods such as the stabilometric

platform, measures the position of body planes relative to a reference point. An individuals center of

5    foot pressure on a force plate is used to approximate shifts in the body's center of mass in the frontal

and sagittal planes (body sway) (33). Body sway is thought to be inherent to human beings due to

our bipedal nature resulting in inherent instability requiring constant small postural adjustments via

neuromuscular corrections due to the effects of gravity (46).

Electromyography (EMG), on the other hand, does not directly measure body sway or even body

positions in space but measures the electrical impulses of muscles (46). Most studies focusing on the

SS and posture involve EMG of the anti-gravity muscles, thus EMG is an indirect measure of

postural positioning. Taking the above into account, instability would be characterized by greater

energy expenditure and thus more muscular activity/higher EMG readings due to increased muscular

activity compensating to maintain body position. Stability would be characterized by minimal

muscular activity. Thus, if an occlusal device/blockage/opening device resulted in greater EMG of

the cervical or muscular masticatory activity, there would potentially be greater instability locally or

more postural sway/changes in center of foot pressure (CoP). This would represent the overall

change in body posture via a possible effect of the malocclusion on distal musculature.

Head position is a component of overall body posture with the spine directly connecting the skull

and pelvis. In theory, this linkage should transmit asymmetrical forces and loads resulting from the

SS through distal segments with the capability to alter overall body posture.

2 –Methods

Scholarly publications from peer reviewed journals were selected from the Creighton University

library online database search programs including but not limited to: EBSCOhost, PubMed, and

MEDLINE. The search terms and phrases included: scoliosis dental occlusion posture, cervical spine

dental occlusion, stomatognathic system body posture, and cervical spine airway. The review

included available research material dealing with the functional impact of the SS on body posture

6    with emphasis placed on similar findings and correlations to dental occlusion. References from

select studies were also pulled and reviewed for further clarification of findings.

3 – Results

3.1 - Mandibular depression

The concept of a close functional relationship between the mandibular and head/cervical (cranio-

cervical) neuromuscular motor systems has been documented. Ericksson studied subjects

performing two single maximal jaw opening and closing tasks at a 12 second period, one “as fast as

possible” and one at a slow pace, as well as a cycle of continuous jaw opening/closing movements at

a standard speed (30). The subjects were monitored by sEMG in the masseter, suprahyoid,

sternocleidomastoid, and upper trapezius muscles. Eriksson found that jaw opening was always

accompanied by head-neck (cranio-cervical) extension and that jaw closing was always accompanied

by head-neck flexion. Eriksson noted simultaneous activity of the suprahyoid and neck muscles

during jaw opening and a decrease in neck and suprahyoid muscle activity with an increase in the

masseter upon jaw closing. Ericksson also observed that irrespective of the speed of jaw movement

or gender, at the time the jaw closing phase was completed the head had not returned to its original

starting position, differing the amplitude between jaw opening and closing suggesting differing

neuromuscular mechanisms controlling the action of jaw opening vs jaw closing. Ericksson

confirmed the functional linkage between the cranio-cervial linkage and mandibular neuromuscular

system during natural jaw activities (31). The results again showed co-ordinated head extension-

flexion movements during each maximal continuous jaw opening-closing cycle in all subjects. In

addition it was shown that for the self paced and paced continuous jaw tasks, the head movement

(extension upon mandibular opening) preceded the mandibular movement.

Haggman hypothesized that restricted head-neck mobility can impair jaw function (44). They tested

the effect of fixation of the head on rhythmic jaw activities in healthy subjects. The restriction of

7    head movements experimentally, showed that reduced head and neck mobility can impair jaw

function. In the sessions with head fixation, head and neck movements were registered at smaller

amplitudes and the mandibular movements were significantly reduced. This resulted in shorter

mandibular cycle duration times, especially in the self-paced maximal jaw opening-closing cycle

where the average reduction of the test group in amplitude was 22%. In other tasks such as gum

chewing there were no associated reduced mandibular movements during head fixation. These

findings suggest a proportional involvement of head movement with mandibular opening (larger

mandibular opening more head movement) specifically at the atlanto-occipital joint and cervical

spine. The finding of trapezius and SCM (sEMG) activity occurred along with smaller head and neck

movements in the head fixed position suggest head neck movements and musculature are an integral

part of natural jaw function in humans. Catanzariti’s findings also show masticatory muscle

connections with the neck. Contraction of the masseter muscles is associated with increased electrical

activity of the trapezius and SCM (17). Masticatory musculature EMG was also found to be

influenced by cervical spine position. Ballenberger found that differing head postures and

orientations of the cervical spine provoked changes in the EMG of the masseter muscle (9). A

decrease in EMG activity of the masseter muscle was shown during c-spine flexion, ipsilateral lateral

flexion, and contralateral rotations with the anterior temporalis muscle not being significantly

affected (9).

The above studies illustrate experimentally that when subjects were asked to perform normal

functional jaw activities, they were ALWAYS associated with paired head movements which in

general preceded the start of the mandibular movement (9,17,30,31,44). Data suggests that cranio-cervical

movements are functionally interlinked and integral to mandibular movements of the stomatognathic

system. Additionally, jaw opening should be considered an inerrant and innate motor program

encompassing the trapezius and sub-occipital muscles that allow cranio-cervical extension at the

atlanto-occipital joint as well as extension of the cervical spine via pre-programmed neural

8    commands common to the jaw and neck muscular systems (30).

3.2 - Head posture and occlusion

Altered head posture itself has also been found to effect mandibular kinematics. Visscher found that

head posture in both the sagittal and frontal plane significantly influenced the opening movement

path of the incisal point and thus the position of the mandibular condyles in the TMJ (111).

Compared to neutral head posture, the movement path was shifted posteriorly in forward head

posture and anteriorly with the head held in military posture, and deviated to the side the head

moved to in lateroflexion (ipsalateral movement).

Ohmure also found that the position of the mandibular condyle in deliberate forward head posture

was more posterior in the TMJ than in natural head posture (77). Initial tooth contact was also

found to vary with different head postures, with FHP providing the initial contact on the initial

majority contact on the anterior teeth (47). Mandibular muscles that protrude the mandible were also

found to display differing EMG activity based on body posture. As the body changed from the erect

to semi reclined position the four mandibular protruder muscles displayed increased EMG activity,

suggesting their effects of preventing passive mandibular retrusion and corresponding airway

obstruction in the supine position (45).

In addition, studies also showed that head posture had an affect on genioglossus muscle activity, with

statistically significant greater EMG activity in FHP vs neutral head posture (72). Makofsky

demonstrated experimental head alterations in subjects over 30 years of age and older extension of

the head shifted the Initial occlusal contacts posteriorly and flexion shifted them anteriorly (65).

Makofsky also examined the influence of FHP on initial occlusal contact pattern (IOCP) recorded in

four different postures and found no correlation between occlusal contact and FHP, However there

was a correlation between IOCP and age. The IOCP moved posteriorly with increasing age

9    supporting the findings in his earlier work (64) (65).

3.3 - Cervical spine

Tahara concluded that cervical curvature was greater in older adults with good occlusion and many

remaining teeth versus a control group of younger subjects (98). The lordosis in the aged sample

population was greater in women than men. (98). Tahara’s findings are supported by Ando, who

also showed a significant positive correlation between cervical curvature and age (5). Ando also

found strong positive correlations between age and cervical lordosis in the control group with only a

very weak correlation between cervical spine posture and infraocclusion. However, Tahara studied

subjects with good occlusion and many remaining teeth. The sample of aged women having more

cervical lordosis than men as well as more teeth and better occlusion challenges the impact of

occlusion on cervical spine posture over the lifespan of an individual suggesting mostly degenerative

changes cause increased cervical spine curvature. Increasing age changes in other spinal districts are

associated with dehydration of intervertebral disks loss of muscular strength of spinal erectors and

postural muscles which result in exaggeration of the natural curvature of the spine (68). This loss of

natural S shaped spinal curve could cause a shifting of the body mass requiring postural

compensation at levels of the pelvis, hips, and ankles in order to maintain eye level gaze and body

center of mass. All of the following suggest age is a strong predictor of postural changes.

3.4 - Posture affected by respiration

Evidence for the support of stomatognathic function and head posture contribute to airway patency

(1, 43, 52, 53, 58, 66, 75, 86, 92, 95, 102, 109, 110,111). Gonzalez and Mann studied the

consequences of adopting a forward head posture (FHP) which is characterized by a dorso-extension

of the head and upper cervical spine (C1-C3) with accompanying flexion of the lower cervical spine

(C4-C7) (4). This increase in the normal concave cervical lordosis (hyperlordosis) and mandibular

angle was proposed to be a result of altered respiratory function, specifically obstructed nasal

10    breathing (43). Vig showed experimentally an increase in craniocervical angulation when he totally

obstructed nasal breathing in individuals. This manifested within fifteen minutes and peaked after

one and a half hours (111). Studies have shown that extension of the head and neck increased the

diameter of the pharyngeal airway in individuals showing an airway obstruction and individuals with

no obstruction (43, 53, 75, 92, 102, 110, 111).

Gonzales and Mann proposed that when breathing is restricted by anatomic or allergic factors there

will be a physiological change of cervical posture to facilitate breathing. Any restriction in normal

nasal breathing would facilitate a physiological shift to oral breathing to open the airway, and would

be the most efficient method of respiration in the presence of nasal obstruction. This proposed shift

to oral breathing lowers the mandible, decreasing tension on the suprahyoid muscles resulting in the

hyoid bone moving posteriorly and inferiorly, which reduces the pharyngeal air passage. This

reduction in the pharyngeal air space would necessitate the head and neck to assume a more

extended position (FHP) in order to passively move the hyoid bone anteriorly and superiorly, thus

restoring the original airway space as much as possible (14, 102, 1, 92, 58).

Vig investigated adaptations of head position with total nasal obstruction in total deprivation of

visual feedback and a combination of both visual deprivation and nasal obstruction groups (111).

Vig found that total nasal obstruction resulted in progressively more extension of the head with

corresponding jaw separation. Extension peaked 1 to 1.5 hours into the experiment after

introduction of the stimulus. Visual deprivation did not have a significant effect on changes in head

posture. Thus Vig, Gonzalez, and Mann demonstrated craniocervical dorsoextension (FHP) as an

adaptive response to airway alteration.

The genioglossus, sternohyoid, and sternothyroid muscles also contribute to airway patency.

Specifically, during non REM sleep the genioglossus, sternohyoid and sternothyroid muscles exhibit

11    inspiratory activity and contribute to the patency of the upper airway. The sternohyoid is also

responsible for rib cage fixation during sleep states optimizing diaphramatic function (68).

Inspiratory and expiratory activity of the genioglossus were both augmented in the supine and

upright body positions with protrusion of the mandible, suggesting posture can reciprocally effect the

activity of the muscle. Collapse of the posterior pharyngeal wall (airway) is prevented with

respiratory induced inspiratory activity of the genioglossus muscle opposing the negative thoracic

pressure during inspiration. Both expiratory and inspiratory genioglossus activity were found to be

augmented in parallel with advancement of the mandible resulting in maximum EMG activity of the

genioglossus inspiratory action and expiratory action shown at the maximal mandibular position in

both body positions (109). The fact that the genioglossus muscle acts as a dilator of the pharynx and

that mandibular position influences genioglossus activity, further strengthens the anatomical and

biological association between stomatognathic function and airway patency (60).

Due to the findings of Markofsky and Vig, the respiratory/process musculature warrants further

investigation in the effect of respiration having a causal effect on faulty postural alignment.

Specifically, the SCM muscle, which can function as an accessory muscle of respiration (52). Ribeiro

found a significant difference in the trapezius and SCM during nasal inspiration by a classified

“mouth breather” study group that presented with a medical diagnosis of airway obstruction, other

respiratory diseases, or whose lips did not show contact while resting (86). The study showed a

larger electrical potential in the trapezius and SCM during nasal inspiration in the oral breathing

group, suggesting a greater respiratory effort in general which recruits the accessory respiratory

muscles to a greater degree (86). In its roll as an accessory muscle of respiration, the SCM functions

to elevate the first rib, the sternum, and the diaphragm (52). Diaphragmatic dysfunction such as

hypertonicity or other muscular trauma would thus in theory, cause functioning similar to nasal

obstruction and force the accessory musculature of the scalene and SCM to contract more to lift the

ribcage. Hruska proposed the diaphragm be viewed as two hemidiaphrams based on their differing

12    attachments to the lumbar spine as well as distribution of the organs asymmetrically in the abdominal

cavity with situs solitus. Hruska proposed a mechanism of compensatory patterns leading to

craniofacial pain, headaches, and forward head posture resulting form diaphragmatic dysfunction and

altered abdominal muscle resting tension (weakness) (52). Hypertonicity of the diaphragm,

asymmetric tone between hemidiaphrams, large lung volume (hyperinflation) or weakness of

anterolateral abdominal muscles, would result in “decreased descent of the diaphragmatic dome”

upon contraction. This places greater demand on accessory respiratory muscles such as the SCM

and anterior cervical musculature to lift the ribcage, leading to postural compensations as a result of

the fault breathing patterns: increased lumbar lordosis, decreased thoracic kyphosis, posterior cranial

rotation, and FHP. More research needs to be done in this area. Determining if the root of the

problem would be diaphramatic dysfunction via weakened trunk musculature leading to FHP in

absence of nasal obstruction. With the diaphragm attaching to the lumbar spine and the ribs

attaching to the thoracic spine, plus scalene attachment to the cervical spine, theoretical postural

adaptations via respiration dysfunction should be further investigated. The SCM and other accessory

cervical musculature (scalenes) contribute to respiration, and in the presence of excessive use of these

muscles due to faulty respiratory patterns the possibility of adaptive shortening leading to postural

alteration of the head seems plausible. Overactive SCM muscular function has been shown to cause

postural deviations in facial and head posture (18).

3.5 - Altered occlusal effects on cervical spine and head posture

Dental occlusion has been shown to affect cervical spine and head posture (14, 22, 23, 29, 30, 31, 32,

38, 39, 42, 44, 45, 47, 57, 77, 78, 93, 102, 105, 106, 111, 112). Shimaziki used 3D models to

investigate mandibular lateral displacement and lateral inclination of the occlusal plane with

differences between the right and left masticatory muscles (93). The models simulated standard

occlusion, higher masticatory muscle strength on one side to stimulate unilateral chewing imbalances,

symmetrical masticatory strength on each side but an inclined occlusion plane unilaterally to stimulate

13    a poor restoration, and unilateral occlusal plane inclination coupled with contralateral masticatory

muscle strength. Shimaziki found that asymmetrical masticatory forces as well as an inclined

unilateral occlusal plane caused variable asymmetrical stress distribution on the cervical spine as well

as lateral displacement of the mandible in all but the model with symmetrical occlusion. Shimaziki’s

study is representative of the possible effects of mechanical stressors on the stomatognathic system

and cervical spine resulting from occlusion. However, the study does not take into account the

complexity of the human nervous system and its ability to physiologically adapt and compensate.

Shimaziki does bring to light mechanical forces such as malocclusion, as having an affect on the

cervical spine.

D'Attillio altered the dental occlusion on rats to see if experimentally induced malocclusion could

alter spinal alignment measured by total body radiographs. He found that a scoliosis curve

developed after one week and that the curve diminished and the spinal column returned to normal in

83% of the rats after occlusion was normalized (24). The study proved the alignment of the spinal

column in rats could be influenced by dental occlusion. However, due to the differing postural

demands on quadruped rats vs bipedal humans, the study is limited in scope and clinical application.

The study does bring to light the possible effect of malocclusion on head posture in human subjects.

Kibana experimentally examined the influence of unilateral and bilateral occlusal support on head

posture via EMG (electromyography) of the masseter, temporalis, and sternocleidomastoid muscles

(57). Kibana examined MVC (Maximal Voluntary Clenching) in the presence of a

bilaterally/unilaterally placed intraocclusal splint designed to increase occlusal elevation by 4mm in

both the eyes closed and open position. He found that when the splint was placed unilaterally

resulting in lateral imbalance of occlusal support, the EMG of the masseter/temporalis/and

sternocleidomastoid of the occlusal support side was greater and the neck was bent toward the side

with unilateral occlusal support, regardless of the eyes closed/open position. Kibana also observed

14    that under VMC with any type of occlusal support (unilateral/bilateral), the head flexed anteriorly

when compared with the mandibular rest position regardless of the eyes open/closed position,

noting statistically greater flexion in the eyes closed position.

Thus, Kibana experimentally produced a positive correlation between the asymmetrical activity of

the sternocleidomastoid muscle and lateral bending of the neck. He also noted that initiation of

EMG activity of the SCM was behind that of the masseter/temporalis muscles. These results

implicate a relationship between occlusal support, the cervical spine, and head posture, as well as a

relationship between the jaw closing muscles and the SCM.

Ferrario found that a previously symmetrical SCM contraction of maximum voluntary clench without

occlusal interference became asymmetrical upon MVC in the presence of an asymmetrical/unilateral

occlusal support (32). The MVC with unilateral occlusal interference showed alteration in the

contraction pattern of the subjects SCM. Thus Ferrario demonstrated experimentally, how a

symmetrical pattern could become asymmetrical in the presence of occlusal interference.

Interestingly, Tecco evaluated masticatory, neck and trunk muscle activity in patients with unilateral

and bilateral posterior crossbite and found no difference in MVC of the masseter muscle in the

groups with crossbites or the control groups without crossbite (106). Tecco also observed no

significant difference in unilateral functioning of neck muscles such as the SCM or trunk muscles.

However, there was increased sEMG activity bilaterally of the SCM in both mandibular rest position

and MVC positions. This test group differs from that of Ferrario or Kibana in which they

experimentally produced a malocclusion and found differing levels of muscular activity and

asymmetrical patterning in the SCM, namely, in the test group used by Tecco there was no

experimental induced malocclusion as the subjects presented with biological deviation of the

mandible. This suggests the adaptability of the SS to functional deviations from the proposed “ideal”

normalized functional parameters.

15    

Compensatory mechanisms in the presence of occlusal alteration were also noted in a longitudinal

study where masticatory sEMG changes at the onset of occlusal insertion were noted but dissipated

and returned to normal after 14 days, even with presence of the occlusal interference (67). These

findings cast doubt on the clinical significance of experimentally induced alterations in masticatory

muscle activity suggesting they are transient.

3.6 - Dental occlusion affects body posture

The preceding discussion illustrates that functional aspects of the SS have experimentally induced

modifications in head and jaw posture as well as altered muscular activity (EMG) associated with the

SS (14, 22, 23, 29, 30, 31, 32, 38, 39, 42, 44, 45, 47, 57, 77, 92, 101, 104, 105, 110, 111,112).

Correlations between dental occlusion and overall body posture have also been experimentally

shown. Evidence showing connections between the SS and distal musculature shows increased

EMG activity in neck and trunk muscles during an occlusal clench (29). Patients suffering disk

herniation have also displayed alterations in mandibular opening and velocity compared to a control

group (97). Specific mandibular position seems to have an effect on appendage muscular endurance

and strength (34). D’ermes found that the percentage of postural load is modified with the occlusal

splint insertion in elite athletes, changing the load distribution to within .4% of ideal balanced 50%

load distribution on both sides (27). This was also associated with improved athletic performance.

An occlusal splint appeared to balance occlusal loads and result in better postural control and

increased quadriceps muscular force (6, 27, 28, 34, 61, 115). It has also been shown that head and

shoulder posture can affect scapular mechanics, specifically shoulder flexion and extension in

functional tasks (107, 114).

Dental occlusion has also been associated with increased postural control in the elderly. A test group

with maintained natural dentition performed better than a test group wearing dentures in one or both

16    dental arches on postural tests, showing experimentally with hand grip and leg extensor strength

being equal tooth loss is a risk factor for postural instability (117). It was also shown that dental

occlusion plays an important role in the postural reflex among the elderly in mitigating falls and that

a decrease in occlusal functions in the elderly resulted in postural instability (96). Okubo’s findings

show unclear causal factors in edentulous patients with regard to postural stability (79). This group

demonstrated that dentures produce an effect on the stability of edentulous patients in both static

and dynamic conditions as well as gait velocity. In the presence of external disturbances on balance

control teeth clenching was found to decrease latency of corrective postural adaptation and lower the

needed reaction force caused by perturbation. It was also show from EMG data of the masseter that

in the presence of unexpected postural perturbation there is an unconscious effort to clench in order

to maintain balance (51, 3, 28). Experimental malocclusion via horizontal mandibular deviation was

also found to affect postural reaction to perturbation, negatively interfering with stability. These

findings suggest dental occlusion is linked to reflex or motor control activity that influences dynamic

balance (113). It's is not clear if the natural afferent feedback of the proprioceptors in the natural

teeth are responsible for this stability in the elderly or if it is simply the increased TMJ stability

provided by the act of clenching/biting in the case of dentures.

There is also evidence that oral motor functions can facilitate reflex motor responses in distal body

segments. Miyahara found that voluntary teeth clenching increased the amplitude of the soleus H

reflex (monosynaptic reflex) significantly during wrist extension (MVC of wrist extensors) or fist

clenching (74). The increased amplitude positively correlated with the strength of teeth clenching

which was monitored by EMG of the masseter muscle and was able to be experimentally decreased

by electrical stimulation of the lip. Along with the electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve

affecting masseter muscle activity in the study above, trigeminal stimulation was also found to inhibit

the SCM as well as the masseter (14). The ability of the lip to decrease the EMG of the masseter

muscle proves a connection between trigeminal afferent input and functional motor activity of the SS

17    system. This was also shown in the same experiment to exert influence on motor activity in other

body districts via modulation of the soleus H reflex. The functional significance of these findings

was explored and it was suggested that voluntary teeth clenching could contribute to stabilization of

postural stance (74, 37).

Increased ability to maintain balance and smaller center of pressure (COP) displacement is how many

of the studies review and quantified posture. In addition, many studies related these COP

displacements to specific jaw positions in either static or dynamic conditions to determine the most

stable occlusal position (if any was noticed). Under dynamic conditions such as gait, jaw

relationships and planter arch control, loading between forefoot and back foot can be experimentally

changed with cotton rolls placed between the dental arches. Voluntary tooth clenching can also

increase surface area of contact as well as reduce the load on both feet in the absence of cotton rolls.

These findings suggest the planter surface of the foot is able to be modified by dental occlusion (20).

Dynamic gait testing has also shown experimental changes in the spinal column via a 4m occlusal

block inserted into the dental arch of healthy right handed individuals in both standing and walking

(76). This resulted in a shift toward left lateral flexion, clockwise torsion, and extension in the cervical

and thoracic regions suggesting upper body posture is modifiable due to dental occlusion. It should

be noted these changes were in the measure of millimeters.

Experimentally induced occlusal imbalance via cotton rolls placed between the dental arches

unilaterally resulted in a change in the percentage of load on the ipsalateral foot during walking vs

walking in habitual occlusion (84). Although these studies suggest connections between dynamic

posture and dental occlusion, the differing research methods, subjects, and sample sizes makes

concrete conclusions or causal factors hard to discern.

Adding to the inconsistency of results, another study with similar methods measured differing jaw

18    positions on postural stability found myocentric position of occlusion to be the most stable (13).

The posturographic examination of the same study also found that out of 95 subjects tested ideal

postural loading with regard to balanced distribution of weight on both feet was found to be present

in centric relation in 26 subjects, in the rest position in 20 subjects, and in the myocentric position in

45 subjects. The remaining four cases there was no difference in weight distribution in the three

mandibular positions. This study used a larger sample size than most studies reviewed. These results

support the hypothesis that jaw relation and dental occlusion affect body posture, however, the high

rate of individual responses within the sample needs to be addressed in order to draw any concrete

conclusions. The fact that the study by Bracco is the only study reviewed that tested the myocentric

position makes it difficult to validate their results, simply because making comparisons is impossible.

Fink tested the influence of a mandibular imbalance via artificial occlusal interference on the

functional activities of the body. Specifically, the functional mobility of the upper cervical spine and

the sacroilliac joint (36). The results showed a functional interlinking between the altered occlusion

and dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint and cervical spine with 90% of the test subjects testing positive

for hypo-mobility at the sacroiliac joint after insertion of occlusal interference. However, there was a

high degree of intra individual variability within the small number of subjects sampled with regard to

specific affects. Hypo-mobility appeared in 55% of tests subjects at C0/C1 and 25% on the C2/C3

vertebral level on the left side after insertion of the occlusal interference 45% diagnosed with hypo-

mobility at the C1/C2 level on the right side. The findings by Fink are supported with similar

findings in relation to the cervical spine being affected by occlusion and support malocclusion

playing a role in pathological gait, in theory, by negatively affecting the function of the sacroiliac joint

(14, 22, 23, 29, 30, 31, 32, 38, 39, 42, 44, 45, 47, 57, 77, 92, 94,101, 104, 105, 110, 111,112). Along

with the high degree of individual differences in physiological responses, the dysfunctional joint

segments immediately returned to normal following the removal of the occlusal interference in all but

one of the sample subjects, which returned to normal the following day. This suggests transient

neurological adaptations and not long lasting structural physiological compensations. There is strong

19    evidence showing experimental changes in posture produced by Fink are transient and do not take

into account the adaptability of the skeletal, neurological, and muscular systems to artificial stimuli,

be that pathological or physiological.

Marini in the seemingly only longitudinal study to scientifically investigate the effects of experimental

occlusal interference on body posture, proved experimentally that no postural changes were present

after leaving an occlusal interference in the subject for 14 days (67). Only a transient modification of

masticatory muscle EMG, which again, dissipated and returned to normal even in the presence of the

occlusal interference after 14 days were shown. Among studies experimentally showing the impact

of occlusal and mandibular function on body posture, there is no concise agreement on the

mandibular position that provides the smallest deviation from the COP and thus provides the most

stable postural stance ( 39, 91, 13) . There is even disagreement among researchers as to the ability

to quantify a specific jaw position to the most stable body position due to the fact studies have

shown force controlled biting motor tasks have a greater effect on body oscillation, postural sway

reduction, and EMG activation patterns than maximal clenching in a fixed jaw position (49, 90, 87).

These findings suggest that postural sway reduction is a motor reaction, independent of a specific jaw

position or symmetric jaw muscle activation. The frontal plane COP was not shown to be

experimentally affected by unilateral biting, suggesting that short term asymmetric loading of the SS

does not affect postural balance control (49).

3.7 - Dental occlusion, scoliosis, and reciprocal connections

Several studies propose postural imbalance from asymmetric occlusion and loading on the

masticatory system (10, 54, 59, 61). When looking at the occlusal patterns of patients with scoliosis,

the available research is again inconclusive in human subjects. However, alignment of the spinal

column does seem to be influenced by altering dental occlusion in rats (24). Korbmacher found an

increased occurrence of frontal plane orthopedic parameters such as an oblique shoulder or pelvis,

20    scoliosis, and functional differences in leg length in children with a unilateral crossbite and

asymmetrical cervical spine but no pathological orthopedic variable was necessarily combined with

unilateral crossbite (59). Occlusal patterns in patients with idiopathic scoliosis were shown to have

more asymmetrical occlusal features such as anterior-posterior crossbite and canine relationships,

however, no association between scoliosis or specific malocclusion was able to be concluded (10).

The findings of higher prevalence of asymmetrical occlusal relationships in subjects with scoliosis

was also supported (10, 54, 59, 61). Interestingly, in a six month longitudinal study the treatment of

scoliosis with a functional brace was shown to alter the muscular tone and correct asymmetry of

trunk, neck (SCM) , and masticatory muscles (anterior temporalis and masseter) as well as increasing

their contractility. The control group in the study received no functional brace for scoliosis

treatment and did not register any of the changes the test group did over the six month treatment

with the brace (103).

Abnormal SCM muscle function and downward tension has been shown in case studies of congenital

muscular torticollis to cause postural adaptations of the head by mandibular deviations leading to

unilateral crossbite and facial scoliosis. The abnormal SCM function results from bony changes to

the mastoid process on the affected side. The positioning of the mandibular condylar head on the

unaffected side was also shown to be affected by the contralateral abnormal sternocleidomastoid

tension. The malocclusion and facial scoliosis improved in the case subject suffering from the above

pathology after surgical release of the SCM and cervical fascia, this suggests that the SCM muscle

plays an important role in head posture (18, 62). It was also shown that unilateral chewing did not

alter frontal plane COP nor did asymmetrical malocclusion (unilateral posterior crossbite) influence

postural stability, nor is associated with leg length inequality (49, 70, 71, 82). These findings are

supported in a randomized clinical trial of preadolescents where orthodontic treatment of posterior

crossbite was not found to alter lumbar, thoracic, or pelvic positions (61). Unilateral chewing is a

habitual physiological process of mastication. Linear increases in disorders of the masticatory system

21    would seemingly parallel other self imposed metabolic disorders that are on the rise due to increased

food consumption in the United States if asymmetrical chewing was able to cause a pathological

state. After all, the human body itself is not symmetrical with regard to spinal or muscular tonus in

habitual stance or with distribution of the organs and organ systems in the body (76, 52). The

biological asymmetrical makeup of the human body proves in many well functioning individuals

asymmetrical forces/influences do not necessarily lead to dysfunction due to our highly adaptable

nature as human beings. These experiments above showing correlations between asymmetrical

occlusion and orthopedic variables lack causal factors to illustrate that imbalances of the masticatory

system or asymmetric loading directly cause asymmetry in the frontal plane. Studies showing positive

correlations are devoid of longitudinal follow ups with subjects. Any correlations derived from these

studies and need not be ignored but consideration of the adaptability of the masticatory muscles/SS

to the asymmetric disturbance over time needs to be considered in the current literature and

implemented in further studies ( 48, 67).

Sakaguchi evaluated changing mandibular position on body posture as well as the influence of

altered body posture on mandibular position and occlusion (91). He found that centric occlsion was

the more stable mandibular position and also found occlusal force was altered when a heel lift was

placed under the right foot occlusal forces shifted toward the right side. These results showed a

reciprocal connection between body posture and occlusion, and were also observed by Maeda when

use of heel lifts of differing heights shifted weight or occlusal force to the ipsalateral side compared

to the controls (63).

3.8 - Dental occlusion does not alter body posture

In addition to the questioning of the clinical and practical relevance of the studies showing

experimentally induced transient changes in postural orientation, many studies reviewed showed no

changes at all in body posture or functional activities due to experimental occlusal interference. In

22    what can objectively be referred to as the most thorough study reviewed, Marini investigated the long

term effects of an experimental occlusal interference on body posture (67). The strength of this

study lays in the evaluation of the test subjects postural reactions to the occlusal interference using an

integrated and sophisticated system of instruments. The evaluation consisted of a high number of

measured exteroceptive conditions leading to large amounts of data collected, a built in

intraindividual control, and its longitudinal design that would allow for any physiological

compensations to manifest due to the interference not being removed until 24 days following

insertion. The study revealed no significant differences in gait and only random and insignificant

changes in the frontal and sagittal parameters in relation to the measurements taken directly before

insertion of the occlusal interference (T1). This leads to the conclusion an experimental occlusal

interference does not modify static or dynamic body posture.

Marini’s differing exteroceptive test conditions did not find differences in frontal or sagittal

parameters with teeth in occlusion and subjected to the occlusal interference, or with teeth out of

occlusion and thus not subjected to the interference. This comparison further strengthens the

conclusion that dental occlusion has no affect on body posture. Masticatory muscles did show a

significant sEMG increase between T1 (directly before occlusal interference inserted) and T3 (7 days

after occlusal interference inserted). However these changes normalized at (14 days after insertion of

occlusal interference) T4. The sEMG of the trapezius muscle showed no significant differences

between measurements (T1-T4) challenging the notion the masticatory muscles and muscles of other

body districts being functionally linked (67). Ferrario also concluded experimentally a lack of

significant difference in postural control between subjects with TMD, malocclusion, or a control

group when COP was tested in differing occlusal positions (33). The results obtained by Marini and

Ferrario concluding no predictable relationship between occlusion and body posture are supported

by the following findings (2, 5, 35, 64, 66, 70, 71, 80, 81, 82, 83, 95).

23    Patterns emerged from the reviewed literature that postural control is negatively affected by deletion

of visual input (4, 7, 8, 39, 40). Tardieu showed that dental occlusion affects postural control

differently depending on static or dynamic conditions (101). The only influence dental occlusion had

on postural control was modifying postural sway in dynamic condition in the absence of visual input.

Tardieu's findings suggests the contribution of dental occlusion, in terms of the afferent feedback

from the trigeminal nerve via dental structures such as the PDL, would increase in the absence of

visual input (26). Tardieu’s findings suggest a hierarchy of sensory input whereby, in absence of

certain afferent input other sensory systems have a greater impact on postural control and “pick up

the slack” for the others.

Gangloff further tested the impact of occlusion on the visual and vestibular system using a test group

of highly skilled shooters to test gaze stabilization with mandibular positions previously tested on a

group that was only evaluated on postural relations to mandibular position (39). Experimentally,

Gangloff found that COP displacement was lowest (postural position most stable) in centric relation

in the eyes open position for the group that underwent postural evaluation (P group), this supports

the findings of Sakaguchi (91). Shooting performance measured in accuracy as well as shot

dispersion was also significantly improved in the centric relation position. These experimental

findings suggest occlusal alteration can influence visual tasks requiring high postural stability and

balance control suggesting interlinking of the SS with the vestibular system, which is supported in the

research (15, 21, 84, 85).

Gangloff also experimentally found in one group the physiological (ipsalateral) side lateral position,

not the centric relation mandibular position was the most stable in the eyes closed test position. This

further suggests that altering visual input changes sensory channel involvement of postural control

and that visual input has a greater impact on postural control than dental occlusion (4, 7, 8, 26, 39,

40). Findings of vertical dimension of occlusion having a relationship with the proper dominant eye

24    have also been shown in an epidemiological study of school children (94). Interestingly every study

that measured altered mandibular positions and balance in both the eyes closed and eyes open

exteroceptive positions, postural control largely deteriorated in the eyes closed position.

4 – Conclusions

1) Can the SS cause a compensatory change in head and neck posture (craniocervical angle) due to altered/faulty

proprioceptive input or mechanical stresses?

Altering input to the SS does seem to modify head posture as well as masticatory muscular activity

experimentally in select studies. The immediate changes shown in head posture as well as

mandibular position due to the occlusal interference need further study to determine any lasting

impact on SS function, thus clinical significance of these findings are low. Functional adaptations

with regard to respiration are suggested to be normal physiological changes occurring due to the fact

respiration is vital for all living creatures. In the instance of airway obstruction, postural

compensation to increase respiration benefits the organism in the short term and does not qualify as

a pathological change. However, It is suggested that prolonging this postural compensation would

alter the entire organismic system leading to a pathological development.

2) Can alterations in the SS system cause alterations in other body segments (thoracic spine, ribs, pelvis) and thus affect

overall body posture?

Debate currently continues with regard to the affect of specific effects of dental occlusion on overall

body posture. The research reviews shows conflicting results. In summary, some researchers found

that an occlusal interference experimentally influenced overall body posture when posture was

measured either in terms of COP displacement or by manual methods. No causal link was found in

any of the research studies showing correlations.

25    

3) Why the conflicting results

The results from the reviewed literature are overwhelmingly conflicting, with some researchers citing

strong correlations and other researchers citing none. Many researchers used small sample sizes

lacking control groups and targeted a specific demographic, which make any experimental findings

population specific. Postural sway and the use of posturography itself has shown to be affected by

the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and by stimulation of the carotid sinus baroreceptors as well as

ventilation. Local muscular fatigue in the planter flexors was also shown to alter postural sway,

specifically in the sagittal plane. Lumbar extensor fatigue and ankle sprain were also shown to

increase postural sway. The first 20 seconds of measurement upon the subject standing on the

platform itself were also shown to be very random and individual, not necessarily due to any other

variable than establishing individual postural stability. No study disregarded the first 20 seconds of

measurement except for two, which could contribute to the conflicting findings among researchers.

Due to the many variables affecting postural balance control described above it is suggested that any

causal findings between dental occlusion and postural control are limited to the specific variables of

the group studied and are not transferable to populations of differing age, height, or muscular

strength levels. In addition, a causal link must then be identified with no differing intra-individual

variability among study participants. Specifically, high rates of individual responses within the sample

need to be addressed in order to draw any concrete conclusions. Among studies experimentally

showing the impact of occlusal and mandibular function on body posture, there is no concise

agreement on the mandibular position that provides the smallest deviation from the COP and thus

provides the most stable postural stance.

According to the reviewed literature there are promising connections between the SS and the distal

musculature, specifically with regard to the affect of teeth clenching on muscular performance as well

as reflex activity and dynamic balance. Modifying dental occlusion in the form of occlusal

26    interference does experimentally affect mandibular position, which can be accompanied by changes

in EMG activity of masticatory muscles and cranio-cervical posture. However, these changes seem

to be transient in nature with low clinical significance. There are too many inconsistent results and

experimental parameters to conclude that dental occlusion has an affect on body posture.

Longitudinal studies with appropriate follow-ups are needed to scientifically confirm clinical

significance and not just experimental results; these experimental studies are absent in the literature.

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