Female hormonal fluctuation and masticatory function in patients with disc displacement-a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Dental Science
• Physiology
• Biomedical Research

Background:

• Disc displacement with reduction (DDR) is a common temporomandibular disorder.
• Understanding factors influencing masticatory function is crucial for oral health.
• The role of female hormones in masticatory performance requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of female hormone fluctuation on maximum occlusal force and masticatory performance.
• To compare these parameters in women with and without DDR.
• To assess the impact of oral contraceptive use.

Main Methods:

• Case-control study involving 61 female subjects (14 DDR on OCs, 16 controls on OCs, 14 normally cycling with DDR, 17 normally cycling controls).
• DDR diagnosed using Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders.
• Maximum occlusal force measured with a force transducer; masticatory performance assessed via comminution and sieving.
• Hormonal phases identified by ovulation testing across three menstrual cycles.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in occlusal force or masticatory performance were observed across menstrual cycle phases.
• Subjects without DDR exhibited greater maximum occlusal force compared to those with DDR.
• No significant differences in occlusal force or masticatory performance were found based on oral contraceptive use or DDR status.

Conclusions:

• Female hormonal fluctuations, including menstrual cycle phases and oral contraceptive use, do not appear to influence masticatory performance or maximum occlusal force.
• Disc displacement with reduction may affect maximum occlusal force, but not masticatory performance.
• Further research may explore other factors affecting mastication in DDR patients.