The effects of a temporarily manipulated dental occlusion on the position of the spine: a comparison during standing and walking

Background contextThe relationship between dental occlusion and body posture or even the spine position is often analyzed and confirmed. However, this relationship has not been systematically investigated for standing and walking.PurposeTo examine whether a symmetric or asymmetric dental occlusion block, using 4 mm thick silicon panels, can significantly change the spine position (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar region) during standing and walking.Study designThe following study is a cross-sectional study.Patient sampleThis study was carried out with 23 healthy subjects (18 women, 5 men) without discomfort in the temporomandibular system or body movement apparatus.Outcome measuresPosition changes (millimeter) of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) in frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes of motion.MethodsThe upper spine position was quantified with an ultrasonic distance measurement system (sonoSens Monitor). Every subject placed the 4 mm thick silicon panel systematically between the left/right premolars or the front teeth. Differences between the habitual and manipulated occlusion positions were determined by the Friedman test, followed by pairwise comparisons with applied Bonferroni-Holm correction.ResultsDuring standing and walking there were significant (p≤.05) differences between the occlusion block conditions and the habitual dental position in all body planes except in the right lumbar region during walking. In addition, differences within the manipulated occlusion position could be detected. Significant differences were also shown between the standing and walking trials in the frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes, particularly with respect to the lumbar region (p≤.001).ConclusionsSymmetrical and asymmetrical occlusion blocks in the premolar region can be associated with changes in all three spine regions during standing and walking. The results showed highly similar reaction patterns in all spine positions, regardless of the location of the silicon panel. Between standing and walking, the main differences were in the lumbar spine. The results suggest a relationship between the chewing and the movement system. However, it must be stated that this study has no direct clinical impact. The study design cannot determine the causality of the observed associations; also the clinical significance of the small postural changes remains unknown.