Changes in Weight Distribution at the Feet Due to Occlusal Supporting Zone Loss During Clenching

ABSTRACT

To establish the relationship between the condition of the stomatognathic system and body posture, changes in the weight distribution at the feet using the four-quadrant weight scale were investigated when the occlusal supporting zone was lost unilaterally and bilaterally. The results were as follows: 1. Regardless of occlusal conditions, the weight distribution was changed during clenching; 2. The weight distribution was shifted anteriorly during clenching regardless of the condition of the occlusal supporting zone. Additionally, weight distribution shifted more laterally to the opposite side of the lost occlusal supporting zone during clenching with the occlusal supporting zone lost more unilaterally than bilaterally. From the present findings, it is suggested that the body posture may be affected and changed to an unusual position causing neck or shoulder pain, especially when the occlusal supporting zone is lost both unilaterally and bilaterally.

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Notes on contributors

Gengo Yoshino

Dr. Gengo Yoshino received a D.D.S. degree in 1994 from Hokkaido University. He is an instructor in Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Course for Integrated Oral Sciences and Stomatology, Division of Oromaxillofacial Regeneration.

Kazuo Higashi

Dr. Kazuo Higashi received a D.D.S. degree in 1985 and a Ph.D. in 1989 from Osaka University. He is a lecturer at Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Course for Integrated Oral Sciences and Stomatology, Division of Oromaxillofacial Regeneration.

Takashi Nakamura

Dr. Takashi Nakamura received a D.D.S. degree in 1980 and a Ph.D. in 1987 from Osaka University. He is a lecturer at Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Course for Integrated Oral Sciences and Stomatology, Division of Oromaxillofacial Regeneration.