Some subjective-experiential parameters in experimental tooth clenching in man

Area of Science:

• Dental Science
• Physiology
• Human Subject Research

Background:

• Tooth clenching can lead to jaw muscle fatigue and pain.
• Understanding the thresholds for these sensations is crucial for diagnosing and managing related conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the onset of subjective sensations of jaw muscle fatigue and pain during experimental tooth clenching.
• To assess the ability to endure jaw muscle pain and other discomforts.
• To analyze intraindividual and interindividual variations in these thresholds.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen human subjects participated in experimental tooth clenching.
• Maximal voluntary isometric tension was produced by elevator jaw muscles.
• Fatigue threshold, pain threshold, and pain tolerance were recorded.

Main Results:

• Intraindividual thresholds for fatigue (31 s), pain (55 s), and pain tolerance (118 s) did not vary significantly.
• Interindividual variations in these thresholds were significant.
• Discomfort was primarily localized to the face and jaw muscles, resolving within approximately 90 seconds post-tolerance determination.

Conclusions:

• Jaw muscle fatigue and pain thresholds exhibit significant interindividual variability.
• Potential psychological or physiological factors may influence these parameters.
• Discomfort associated with tooth clenching is transient and localized.