Analysis of the area and length of masticatory cycles in male and female subjects.

It is difficult to determine the existence of a normal or physiological masticatory cycle, because there exists great individual diversity. This study presents some data about two parameters of masticatory cycles according to the frontal plane, i.e. the area and length of right-sided and left-sided cycles in a group of 30 young people, 18 women and 12 men. For our study the Myotronics K6-1 kinesiograph was used. It registers the magnetic field and allows us to obtain graphic recordings of the jaw movement in the three space planes. Other authors have analysed these parameters, but none of those reviewed provides information about the distribution to each side or according to the gender of sampling subjects selected for the analysis. We have tried to describe the normal morphology of the masticatory cycles and, also, establish a reference so as to provide help in the diagnosis of the functional pathology of the masticatory system.