The relationship between dental occlusion/temporomandibular joint status and general body health: part 1. Dental occlusion and TMJ status exert an influence on general body health.

BACKGROUND

There have been varied studies that have suggested a relationship between dental occlusion/temporomandibular joint (TMJ) status and general body health. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the systematic relationships and corresponding action mechanisms between them.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this part of study was to review the relationships between dental occlusion/TMJ status and systemic body health based on the published literature.

METHODS

This study, based mostly on peer-reviewed specialist articles, has determined that dental occlusion/TMJ status exerts an influence on (1) synchronization of head and jaw muscles with the muscles from other body sites for proper body posture; (2) body stability such as body equilibrium (balance), center of gravity fluctuation, and gaze stability; and (3) physical performance along with physical fitness.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, these relationships should be further investigated and extended to the whole body, and the action mechanisms should be elucidated.