Age changes of mandibular condyles and glenoid fossae in mice fed a liquid diet

The effects of the masticatory function on age changes of the temporomandibular joint were studied in 163 C3H/He strain male mice, separated into solid and liquid diet groups from 2 weeks of age. The sizes and shapes of the mandibular condyles and glenoid fossae of the two groups were compared up to 60 weeks. The sizes and shapes of the condyles in the solid diet group increased and developed with age, but there was almost no change after 3 weeks of age in the liquid diet group. The sizes and shapes of the fossae increased and developed with age until 20 weeks in both groups, and there was no differences between the two groups. The poor functional stimulus of mastication has distinct effects on the underdevelopment of the condyle. Since the effects on the fossae were less than those on the condyles, not only the amount of mandibular movement, but also its pattern may have affected the liquid diet group.