Relationship between emotional state and masticatory system function in a group of healthy volunteers aged 18-21

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the role of emotional state in the masticatory system function in a group of young adults. Methods Ninety-six generally healthy randomly selected students aged 18–21 were examined. They were subjected to a questionnaire survey determining their emotional state, clinical examination, and instrumental diagnostics (EMG, Cadiax Compact, JVA). Results The stress symptoms group revealed a greater intensity of neck and shoulder muscles pain (p < 0.05) and an increase of electrical potential of the masseter muscles in maximal voluntary clench (p < 0.05). They reported more often headache (p < 0.001), tension/contracture of the head, neck and nape (p < 0.05), and pain while opening the mouth wide (p < 0.05). The values of parameters obtained in the instrumental diagnostics did not reveal differences between the groups. Conclusion Stressful situations increase muscular tension but do not have a direct impact on the temporomandibular joints function.