Orofacial Function Research Articles

Orofacial Functions and Chewing Effiency in Elderly Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitated with Removable Prostheses

Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. It is one of the movement disorders that can affect oro-facial conditions. It is more common in the elderly, having an average age of onset of around 60 years. Objective: The aim was to study orofacial functions in patients suffering from PD with partial or total edentulism, wearing removable prostheses. Methods: Forty-eight (48) elders, rehabilitated with removable dentures, were included: 24 patients suffering from Parkinson's disease constitute the Study Group (SG), and 24 subjects not suffering from Parkinson's disease or neurological degenerative diseases represent the Control Group (CG). In SG, the severity of Parkinson's disease was assessed according to the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating objective motor scale III, and oro-facial dysfunctions were evaluated using Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S). The duration of the use of dental prostheses expressed in years has been reported. In both the groups, the subjective chewing index for the analysis of masticatory ability and the two-color chewing gum test for the analysis of masticatory efficiency were conducted . Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the SG and CG compared to the NOT-S (P = 0.001). Analyzing the study group, a statistically significant correlation was found between the masticatory efficiency and prosthetic years of use (rs = 0.436; P <0.05); instead, no statistically significant correlation was found between the masticatory efficiency and the severity of Parkinson's disease. Conclusion: In our study, we did not find differences between SG and CG in terms of the degree of masticatory efficiency; therefore, only a correlation between the duration of use of dental prostheses and the degree of masticatory efficiency was found.

Laserterapia de baixa potência e paralisia facial periférica: revisão integrativa da literatura. Terapia a laser e Paralisia de Bell

Introdução: A paralisia facial periférica é um distúrbio da motricidade orofacial responsável por trazer impactos negativos em diversos âmbitos na vida dos indivíduos. Entre os profissionais envolvidos no tratamento, o fonoaudiólogo é responsável pelo importante papel de promover a reabilitação das funções orofaciais do indivíduo. Dentre os diversos recursos que este pode utilizar, está o laser de baixa intensidade, ainda pouco investigado na literatura científica. Objetivo: realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura acerca da utilização e o efeito do laser de baixa intensidade como método terapêutico das paralisias faciais periféricas. Métodos: (1) formulação da pergunta norteadora do estudo “Qual a evidência científica da eficácia, descrita na literatura científica, do uso do laser de baixa intensidade no tratamento da paralisia facial periférica?”; (2) Definição dos descritores, pelo DeCS e MeSH, combinados através do operador booleano AND: Terapia com luz de baixa intensidade; Terapia a laser; Paralisia facial e Paralisia de Bell; (3) Bases de dados PubMed e BIREME; (4) Delimitação dos critérios elegibilidade e (5) coleta e triagem dos artigos. Critérios de Seleção: Utilizar laser como recurso terapêutico e pacientes com paralisia facial em sua metodologia. Resultados: participaram desta revisão 10 artigos que encontraram efeitos positivos da laserterapia utilizando dosagens entre 4 e 105 J/cm2 e comprimentos de onda entre 670 e 1064 nm em um período entre 4 e 20 sessões. Conclusão: os efeitos do laser de baixa potência são benéficos em pacientes acometidos por paralisia facial periférica e potencializam-se quando associados a outros recursos terapêuticos da Fonoaudiologia.

Improvement of oral function and hygiene in Parkinson's disease: A randomised controlled clinical trial.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It is associated with reduced oral health and impaired oro-facial function, but besides recommendations of dental visits and drooling treatment, there are little documented odontological treatment options. To evaluate the effect of standardised home exercise jaw opening and chewing programmes, as well as home oral hygiene measures instructed and controlled by a trained dentist. Twenty-nine patients (median 65years) with moderate to advanced PD participated in the project after informed consent. They were followed at a Neurology Department, were able to cooperate, and had stable medical treatment and nine also deep brain stimulation. The interventions were individual dental hygiene instruction, training of jaw opening (JawTrainer), and lip and chewing exercises (Ulmer Oral Screen and Proxident Fluoride Gum). The study was performed as a randomised controlled study. The treatment effect was evaluated after 2 and 4months. The primary outcome was maximum unassisted jaw opening capacity, chewing time of a standardised apple slice, and the Simplified Debris Index. Results were analysed with Wilcoxon matched pairs test and Mann-Whitney U test (significance level P<.05). Jaw opening, chewing time and hygiene were significantly improved 2months from the start of the invention, respectively, 6%, 49%, and 25%, and the improvement was still significant after 4months. No significant changes were found after the 2-month control period without intervention. The simple measures had a substantial and significant clinical effect which is promising despite the progressive nature of the PD.

Avaliação da intensidade de dor em pacientes submetdos à anestesia tópica com tetracaína e lidocaína, previamente à injeção de toxina botulínica

Aesthetic procedures are associated with improving of individual's self-esteem. The specialty of Orofacial Harmonization (HOF) in Dentistry makes it possible to treat patients' orofacial function and aesthetics. Through numerous procedures, the objective is to improve and correct individuals facial aspects. For this, it is necessary to use topical anesthetics prior to the procedures. The product must be potent, effective and safe. There are few options commercially available in Brazil, which leads to the fact that the professional has many times to manipulate the anesthetic for use. Thus, the present study aimed to clinically compare the performance of two topical anesthetics, one already commercialized in Brazil (lidocaine) and another manipulated (tetracaine). So, patients were asked to point out on a scale the intensity of pain felt after the injections. The data was tabulated and analyzed. Partial results show that 4% tetracaine topical anesthetic was more effective than lidocaine regarding pain control prior to botulinum toxin injections.

Characterization of care provided at a Speech Therapy School Clinic affiliated with the Brazilian public healthcare system

ABSTRACT Objective: to characterize the care provided at a Speech Therapy School Clinic affiliated with the Brazilian public healthcare system, in 2016. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with data from screening, discharge, discontinuation and medical records. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were assessed, by measuring waiting time and specialty. The reasons for treatment discontinuation were also investigated. The data were presented in tables and expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: one hundred-seven individuals were screened, among whom 53.3% were children, 58.9% were males, 41.1% had language complaints and 35.5% had complaints regarding orofacial motor function. The mean waiting time to begin treatment was 6.6 months. Among all individuals screened, 80.3% began treatment. The treatment, more frequently, addressed orofacial motor function (39.1%) and language (37.9%). Discharge from treatment occurred in 28.6% of cases. Among the 37 individuals whose treatment was discontinued prior to completion, the main reason was abandonment/absences on the part of the patient (71.4%). Conclusion: the speech therapy care profile revealed a greater frequency of children, males and needs regarding language and orofacial motor function. The mean waiting time was 6.6 months and 20% of the individuals screened did not initiate treatment. A high frequency of discontinuation prior to completing treatment was found, due, mainly, to failure on the part of the patients to attend the sessions.

Orofacial functions and forces in male and female healthy young and adults.

To determine reference values of orofacial myofunctional condition and orofacial forces in healthy young and adults. Fifty young and adults were selected from a total of 316 voluntaries. Participants were assessed with the Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES) for the investigation of orofacial myofunctional condition. The maximum forces of bite, cheeks, tongue (anterior and posterior regions), and lips were assessed with an electronic dynamometer (values expressed in Newtons). Force values were obtained by average of three repeated measurement. The technical error of measurements was calculated for all variables. There were no differences in orofacial myofunctional condition between men and women. Men presented higher values of orofacial forces compared to women. The normal values of orofacial myofunctional condition and orofacial forces were determined in healthy and adults Brazilian men and women. The values obtained in this study from healthy Brazilian may help in the diagnosis of alterations in orofacial motor function and contribute for their therapeutic management.

Fixed Functional Appliances- A Review

Abstract Functional orthopaedic treatment seeks to correct malocclusion and harmonize the shape of dental arch and orofacial function. Correcting class II malocclusion is always challenging as it has complex and multifactorial aetiology. Age of patients and appliance selection plays an important role in the overall outcome of the treatment. Stable results in class II patients have been achieved with growth modification using functional appliances. An orthodontist has wide variety of fixed and removable appliance for treating a class II malocclusion. In this review article an attempt has been made to review various available fixed functional appliances. Keywords: Class II malocclusion; fixed functional appliances; forsus, growth modification, herbst appliance Cite this Article Dr Shraddha Katpale, Dr Shailesh Shenava, Dr Prakash Mudaliar, Dr Robin Mathew, Dr Sandeep Singh, Dr Prachi Gaonkar. Fixed Functional Appliances- A Review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry g . 2020; 11(2): 20–33p.

Reconstruction of Craniofacial Bone Defects with Autologous Human Bone Marrow Stem Cells and Autogenous Bone Grafts: A Case Report with Review of Literature.

ABSTRACTReconstruction of craniofacial bony defects has always been a challenging task for the surgeons over the years. The science of reconstructing such defects is of at most importance to craniofacial and plastic surgeons due to its relevance in facial aesthetics function as well as prerequisite procedure for continuing other surgical procedures. The main goal of the reconstruction of the craniofacial defects is to reduce the morbidity by restoring the facial form and aesthetics, as well as a good function of the facial structures by achieving a reasonable occlusion and articulation. Although significant improvements have occurred during the last few decades, challenges still exist as to what type of reconstruction to be carried out with regard to techniques and the type and quality of materials of choice to be used. As decades progressed, the advancement in surgical techniques and the variety of reconstruction methods have definitely improved the quality of life. This article reviews the method of bony reconstruction of craniofacial defects using autologous human bone marrow stem cells and autologous bone grafts and its modification, which includes much recent tissue engineering techniques and regenerative medicine, thereby replacing older techniques by biological substitutes, which can restore improve and maintain orofacial function and aesthetics.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is related to stress and chewing in saliva and salivary glands.

SummaryChewing is one of the most important orofacial functions. During this process, food is reduced in size, while saliva moistens the food and binds it into a bolus that can be easily swallowed. Characteristics of the oral system, including the number of teeth, bite force, and salivary flow, influence the masticatory process. In addition, salivary glands produce several cell growth factors and play an important role in human health. The nerve growth factor (NGF) family consists of NGF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophins-3 to 7. BDNF is a well-studied neurotrophin involved in the neurogenesis, differentiation, and maintenance of select peripheral and central neuronal cell populations during development and adulthood. However, there has been no detailed description of the expression of neurotrophins other than NGF in the salivary gland. We previously studied the effect of immobilization stress + chewing on BDNF secretion and its receptor, tyrosine receptor kinase B, in rat submandibular glands and found increased BDNF expression in duct cells under these conditions. In this review, we describe recent advances in understanding the role of stress and chewing-related BDNF in the saliva and salivary glands.

Validation of a Chinese version of the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale in relation to the diagnostic subgroup of temporomandibular disorders.

Oro-facial function is usually impaired by temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Several studies on TMDs have used the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) to assess mandibular dysfunction. However, it was originally created in English and hence needs to be validated for use among Chinese people. To develop a Chinese version of the JFLS for Chinese TMD patients and to investigate the validity and reliability of the scale. Content validity and temporal stability were evaluated at two different occasions. The reliability and validity of the JFLS were tested in 483 TMD patients. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and split-half reliability were used to assess internal consistency, while the validity was evaluated by factor analysis. Three factors were extracted during exploratory factor analysis, accounting for 62.39% of the variance. The three-factor model was then measured using confirmatory factor analysis (χ2 /df=3.6, root mean square error of approximation=0.091, comparative fit index=0.896). Internal (coefficient alpha values of .906 for all items and Guttman split-half reliability of 0.756) and test-retest (intra-class correlation coefficient=.851-.897, 95% confidence interval=0.656-0.950) reliabilities were excellent. The Chinese version of the JFLS is reliable and valid for use in Chinese TMD patients.

The Evolution of Neuroscience as a Research Field Relevant to Dentistry

The field of neuroscience did not exist as such when the Journal of Dental Research was founded 100 y ago. It has emerged as an important scientific field relevant to dentistry in view of the many neurally based functions manifested in the orofacial area (e.g., pain, taste, chewing, swallowing, salivation). This article reviews many of the novel insights that have been gained through neuroscience research into the neural basis of these functions and their clinical relevance to the diagnosis and management of pain and sensorimotor disorders. These include the neural pathways and brain circuitry underlying each of these functions and the role of nonneural as well as neural processes and their “plasticity” in modulating these functions and allowing for adaptation to tissue injury and pain and for learning or rehabilitation of orofacial functions.

Bruxism, temporomandibular dysfunction and cervical impairments in females – Results from an observational study

PurposeBruxism is highly prevalent and defined as abnormal habitual mouth activity including clenching of the teeth and increased jaw muscle activity. The association between bruxism and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is debated, in particular the association between cervical spine impairments, bruxism, and TMD. Hence the purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between bruxism, TMD, and cervical spine impairments. MethodsThis observational study categorized 55 female volunteers suitable for evaluation to a bruxism (n = 33) or non-bruxism group (n = 22) based on comprehensive screening using questionnaires and visual observation of the mouth by 2 independent dentists. Following this, both groups were evaluated for TMD, severity and location of head/neck pain, neck disability index (NDI), cervical spine impairments, and tissue mechanosensitivity. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between bruxism, TMD severity, and cervical impairments. ResultsCoefficients of pain and bruxism were significantly associated with NDI scores (0.43, p < 0.001; 3.24, p = 0.01) with large and medium sized effects. As a consequence, both severity of TMD and bruxism status are independently associated with cervical impairments. Having TMD is an independent predictor for head/neck pain and cervical impairments. Pain associated with movement tests and tissue mechanosensitivity was found to be an important factor in bruxism. ConclusionClinicians need to be aware that signs of cervical movement impairment are not likely to be associated with bruxism, rather they should focus on improving orofacial function and tissue mechanosensitivity.

Oral health and orofacial function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The aim of the study was to describe the oral health and orofacial function of Mexican patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their association with clinical and radiological aspects of the disease. Patients with RA received a complete odontological exam, which also included a clinical and radiographic assessment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The rheumatologic assessment included detailed profiling of the disease and serological and radiographic parameters. The study included 62 RA patients; the median (min-max) age was 51 (18-72) years old and 8.5 (1-39) years of disease duration. The 63.6% of the patients had DAS28 ≥ 3.2, and a median (min-max) of Sharp/van der Heijde score (SvdHS) of 41 (0-214). 98.3% of the patients presented caries, which were severe in 53.3% of the cases. The 73.8% of the patients were missing teeth due to caries, with a median (min-max) of 4 (0-32) teeth missing per patient. Oral hygiene was classified as bad in 49.1% of patients and only 15.3% of them had a healthy periodontium. The TMJ function was abnormal in 98.4% of the patients and 62.9% of them presented moderate or severe TMJ disorder (TMD). The radiographic damage of the TMJ correlated positively with the SvdHS. No correlations were found between disease activity or structural progression and orofacial variables, including periodontitis. There are severe oral and orofacial health problems in RA patients despite having medical attention for their disease. Multidisciplinary management remains an area of opportunity for both the medical specialists and the health system in our country.

A Dynamic Jaw Model With a Finite-Element Temporomandibular Joint.

The masticatory region is an important human motion system that is essential for basic human tasks like mastication, speech or swallowing. An association between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and high temporomandibular joint (TMJ) stress has been suggested, but in vivo joint force measurements are not feasible to directly test this assumption. Consequently, biomechanical computer simulation remains as one of a few means to investigate this complex system. To thoroughly examine orofacial biomechanics, we developed a novel, dynamic computer model of the masticatory system. The model combines a muscle driven rigid body model of the jaw region with a detailed finite element model (FEM) disk and elastic foundation (EF) articular cartilage. The model is validated using high-resolution MRI data for protrusion and opening that were collected from the same volunteer. Joint stresses for a clenching task as well as protrusive and opening movements are computed. Simulations resulted in mandibular positions as well as disk positions and shapes that agree well with the MRI data. The model computes reasonable disk stress patterns for dynamic tasks. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge this model presents the first ever contact model using a combination of EF layers and a FEM body, which results in a clear decrease in computation time. In conclusion, the presented model is a valuable tool for the investigation of the human TMJ and can potentially help in the future to increase the understanding of the masticatory system and the relationship between TMD and joint stress and to highlight potential therapeutic approaches for the restoration of orofacial function.

Chirurgies secondaires dans le cadre des ostéotomies de la face : 10 cas

Orthognathic surgery, now well known to the general public, is becoming increasingly successful. It is the most predictable approach to the treatment of dento-maxillo-facial deformities. As with plastic surgery the number of indications increasing the number of difficult cases follows as well as the searching for perfection. The aim of these treatments must be triple and take into account the functional elements of the face, the dental occlusion and the aesthetic objectives of the patient and therapists. Orthognathic surgery procedures having become quite bearable patients who feel that the result is not up to their requirement easily require a reoperation to achieve their objective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 10 cases of facial redone osteotomies from 4 different surgeons. We looked at the initial indication, the type of surgery, the initial orofacial functions, the delay of the reoperation, the technique of redo and the result. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Like other authors, we found that there are surgeries and at-risk patients. The patients who were re-operated all had at least one of the three negative factors: OSAS, lingual dysfunction, oral ventilation. We have not been able to highlight an overall frequency of surgical resumption in the studied literature which is poor about reoperations after osteotomies of the face.

Tongue strength, masticatory and swallowing dysfunction in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder

BackgroundThe possible factors related to functional impairment and limitations in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) still need to be clarified because recovery of orofacial functions is a goal of their treatment. ObjectiveTo investigate whether chronic TMD patients had any changes in tongue strength, besides the difficulty in chewing and orofacial functional impairment, compared to a control group. Moreover, to examine whether tongue strength, chewing difficulties, and orofacial functions were associated. MethodsTwenty-three patients with chronic TMD according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and volunteers without TMD (control group) were compared. Strength measures were obtained using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) during tongue protrusion (TPS) and swallowing of saliva (SS) tasks. A scale was used to investigate self-reported chewing difficulties, and the orofacial muscles and functions were evaluated using the orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores protocol (OMES). ResultsCompared to the control group, TMD patients showed reduced TPS and SS, higher difficulty in chewing and worse myofunctional orofacial conditions. Tongue strength was correlated with mastication and swallowing behaviors, as well as with general myofunctional status. Chewing difficulty increased with decreasing tongue strength and with worsening of orofacial muscles and functions. ConclusionPatients with chronic TMD showed reduced tongue strength and worse masticatory and swallowing functions, and these aspects were interrelated. Clinical relevanceThe present results contribute additional evidence regarding the impairment of orofacial muscles other than jaw elevator muscles in patients with chronic TMD.

Photobiomodulation therapy on the palliative care of temporomandibular disorder and orofacial/cervical skull pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundTemporomandibular disorder (TMD) is the most common cause of orofacial and cervical skull pain and is considered to be a public health problem, affecting 5% to 12% of the world population. TMD is multifactorial and there are several types of treatment, with the conservative types being indicated more often as they are less aggressive and reversible. The main aim of these treatments is to relieve symptoms, reduce of pain, and restore orofacial and cervical skull functions. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), a noninvasive therapy, is an option for the management of musculoskeletal disorders due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects.MethodsThe aim of the proposed study is to verify whether PBMT is effective for use in palliative care of TMD and orofacial and cervical skull pain. A randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial is proposed. This study will involve 200 adult participants (over 18 years of age) who will be randomly divided into two groups (n = 100): Group 1, active treatment (PBMT); and Group 2, placebo. Participants will be subjected to three sessions of PBMT or placebo and will be evaluated using the research diagnostic criteria (RDC) for TMD. Pain level (measured by a visual analog scale (VAS)), mandibular movements (measured by ruler and caliper), quality of life (measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14), and quality of sleep (measured by the Epworth scale) will be recorded. This study is being conducted at the Special Laboratory of Lasers in Dentistry (LELO) of the School of Dentistry of the University of Sao Paulo (USP).DiscussionThis study will verify whether PBMT is effective in reducing TMD and orofacial and cervical skull pain. PBMT may be an option for the management of musculoskeletal disorders due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects, in addition to being a noninvasive technique.Trial registrationRegistro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos, RBR-9b6mnj. Registered on 27 March 2018.Trial registry name: Laser de baixa potência no cuidado paliativo da disfunção temporomandibular e dor crânio orofacial e cervical.Ethics committee: #1774930 approved on 14 October 2016.

Proposal for a myofunctional therapy protocol in case of altered lingual frenulum. A pilot study.

In this article, the authors propose a specific Myofunctional Therapy Protocol for patients with altered lingual frenulum. In such cases tongue muscles are hypofunctioning and their range of motion is reduced. To compensate for this limitation, dysfunctional lingual motor patterns are established, such as the use of some muscles at the expense of others; this negatively affects the development and functions of the stomatognathic system. The Myofunctional Therapy Protocol presented in this pilot study was developed with the aim of making the muscles of the tongue, the floor of the mouth and the soft palate more coordinated, and increasing muscle contraction strength, in order to produce improvements on the muscle tone, on orofacial and nasal functions and a better wound healing and functional recovery in the case of surgical therapy (frenulotomy).

Microvascular reconstruction and dental rehabilitation of benign severely atrophic jaws and defects of the alveolar ridge: our philosophy in 2019

We deal regularly with patients who present with severe atrophy of the jaws, compromised soft tissue, or penetrating defects of the alveolar ridge that are not the result of malignant disease. For these patients we use microvascular bony flaps together with dental implants and implant-supported prostheses. The purpose of this retrospective study was to present our current management and the lessons we have learned over a 16-year period while treating 86 patients for these indications with 87 microvascular bone flaps. We used a transoral approach for the anastomosis in 60 flaps, thereby avoiding visible scars, and inserted 281 dental implants to support fixed or removable dental prostheses. Two femoral flaps developed partial necrosis, and seven implants were lost. Eighty-five of the 86 patients were satisfied with the improvement in their orofacial function and aesthetics. Poor oral hygiene, active osteomyelitis, and severe bruxism are absolute contraindications.

Experiences of daily life and oral rehabilitation in oligodontia – a qualitative study

Objective: Quantitative research indicate increased anxiety and poorer mental health related quality of life (QoL) in individuals with oligodontia (congenital absence of six or more teeth). The aim of this qualitative study was to complement and explore the individuals’ experiences of life and oral rehabilitation, hopefully improving the care for these patients.Material and methods: Twelve participants (6 females, 6 males, aged 21–48) with oligodontia and experiences of comprehensive dental treatments, consented to participate in a semi-structured interview. The questions in the interview guide were based on previous research and clinical experience and included both open (i.e. how is your life?) and specific questions (i.e. do health care personnel know enough about your condition?). The interview transcripts were coded and analysed using a phenomenological method of analysis. The Regional Ethics Committee approved the study.Results: The following themes grew out of the data; ‘feeling of being different’, ‘the burden of treatment’, ‘shared decision-making’, ‘treatment increases self-esteem’ and ‘use of coping strategies’. Psychological distress and reduced QoL seemed to be related to negative aspects of the themes, which covered unacceptable aesthetics, reduced orofacial function, the long-term process of oral rehabilitation, and negative experiences with healthcare services. The informants used problem focused and emotionally focused strategies to meet these challenges. Finalizing oral rehabilitation and shared decision making were positive aspects of the themes.Conclusion: All themes expressed by the participants were of importance for experienced QoL and psychological distress, and should be acknowledged by health care personnel when planning and performing treatment.