Condylographic recording of masticatory function: explorative study on occlusal parameters and chewing performance with natural food and a standard food model

Introduction Loss of teeth defines oral health status and chewing abilities. Caries and periodontal disease have been associated with systemic diseases, however they may contribute to cognitive impairment too. Mastication assessment appears to possess broad significance, and is needed to create background knowledge for chewing harmony. The aim of this study was to evaluate chewing performance and the characteristics of condylographic recordings, during mastication of Natural Food (NF) and a Standard Food Model (SFM), in subjects with different occlusal parameters. Methodology Twenty-three adult subjects’ mastication was assessed with a standardized recording protocol, when chewing onto SFM and NF in three different textures. Detailed occlusal characteristics, condylographic recording data and condylographic patterns during mastication were all analyzed and compared. Results Bilateral Crossbites, Missing Molars and Asymmetric Molar Class were related to higher disharmony and transversal displacement during chewing. Missing and unreplaced molars showed dysfunctional patterns and so did worn out occlusal surfaces. Molar Class alone did not prove to be a useful predictor in chewing test results. Conclusion Increasing evidence indicates that oral health has an impact on Individual and Public Health. It is important to understand that oral health and its functional status are to be maintained during one’s lifetime, and that preventive, therapeutic measures at all ages should have a common functional target to grant neurobiological health as well as nutritional goals of Mastication. Further studies are needed to better understand the relevance of additional parameters such as Occlusal Plane Inclination, Curve of Spee, and three-dimensional asymmetries.