Physiologic stress and tooth contact.

Abstract

This investigation was undertaken to study the relationship between physiologic data, such as pulse rate and stroke volume, to the occurrence of tooth contacts. The tooth contacts were monitored in the intercuspal (I.C.) position and lateral or eccentric to this position with the aid of radio‐transmitters constructed into dental bridgework as described by Kavanagh and Zander (1965), and Butler and Zander (1968). The frequency and duration of tooth contacts during mastication and swallowing observed was not different from previous investigations (Graf and Zander 1963, Adams and Zander 1965). Under varied environmental situations, however, tooth contacts lasting up to 17 seconds were observed occurring with accompanying alteration in the pulse rate‐stroke volume data. These periods of clenching or bruxing type contacts were directly related to periods of emotional reactions, stress and/or anxiety.