Dental Occlusion and the Health of the Masticatory System

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Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review recent dental literature dealing with the association between occlusal factors and functional disturbances of the masticatory system. There has been much controversy among various authors about the role of occlusion in mandibular dysfunction. Studies on the number of teeth and the state of the dentition have shown no distinct patterns in patients with mandibular dysfunction. This can probably be explained by the existence of a wide range of individual adaptability to occlusal conditions. In most studies only weak correlations, if any, have been found between occlusal interferences and mandibular dysfunction. This article reviews clinical, electromyographic, experimental, and epidemiologic studies for such possible consequences. The findings of our study lend support to the idea that the etiology of mandibular dysfunction is multifactorial. Occlusal factors generally seem to be of minor importance. It is thus probable that extensive occlusal rehabilitation is not necessary, at least in the initial phase, for treatment of mandibular dysfunction.