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Orthodontic tooth separation activates the hypothalamic area in the human brain
Yoshiko Ariji1, Hisataka Kondo2, Ken Miyazawa3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Aichi-Gakuin University School of Dentistry, Nagoya, Japan. yoshiko@dpc.agu.ac.jp.
International Journal of Oral Science
|March 21, 2018
Summary
Orthodontic tooth separators activate brain areas, including the hypothalamus. This study suggests a neural pathway from the medulla oblongata to the hypothalamus in humans during orthodontic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Orthodontics
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Animal studies indicate orthodontic apparatus activate trigeminal neurons in the medulla oblongata.
- Orthodontic tooth movement involves the sympathetic nervous system, regulated by the hypothalamus.
- Human transmission pathways between these areas during orthodontic treatment remain unconfirmed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate activated cerebral areas using functional MRI during orthodontic tooth separator insertion in humans.
- To explore the potential neural transmission route from the medulla oblongata to the hypothalamus.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy volunteers received orthodontic tooth separators (brass contact gauge and floss).
- Functional T2*-weighted and anatomical T1-weighted brain MRI scans were acquired.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) signals were observed.
- Activation occurred in the somatosensory association cortex and hypothalamic areas post-separator insertion.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a possible neural transmission pathway from the medulla oblongata to the hypothalamus in humans.
- This study provides initial evidence for central nervous system responses to orthodontic stimuli.
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