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. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.