Oral Implant-Prostheses: New Teeth for a Brighter Brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Dentistry
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Chewing is linked to cognitive health; masticatory deficiency is a dementia risk factor.
• The relationship between orofacial sensorimotor activity and cognition remains unclear.
• Unilateral molar loss causes asymmetries in pupil size and masticatory muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the link between orofacial sensorimotor activity and cognitive function.
• To explore the role of trigeminal imbalance and Locus Coeruleus (LC) activity in cognitive impairment.
• To assess the impact of implant-prostheses on sensorimotor asymmetries and cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Assessed pupil size and masticatory muscle EMG activity in subjects with unilateral molar loss.
• Compared asymmetries before and after implant-prosthesis therapy.
• Evaluated performance in a complex sensorimotor task and mydriasis during haptic tasks.

Main Results:

• Unilateral molar loss resulted in lower EMG activity and smaller pupil size on the affected side.
• Implant-prostheses significantly reduced EMG and pupil size asymmetries.
• Prostheses improved sensorimotor task performance and increased task-associated mydriasis.

Conclusions:

• Trigeminal unbalance and subsequent Locus Coeruleus (LC) asymmetry may contribute to cognitive impairment.
• Implant-prosthesis therapy can correct sensorimotor imbalances.
• Restoring trigeminal proprioceptive input and reducing pupil size asymmetry may enhance arousal and cognitive function.