A Graphic and Statistical Analysis of the Chewing Movements in Function and Dysfunction

Abstract

To study the statistical differences between functional and dysfunctional chewing, the authors selected two groups of 8 subjects each. Group 1 consisted of subjects who had good masticatory function, while Group 2 was made up of subjects with dysfunction of the stomatognathic system. Each of the subjects was given the same amount of crispy bread and was asked to chew it normally. The subjects' mandibular movements were recorded with an Electrognathograph which was connected to an XY chart recorder and a computer. The software produced data of the mean mandibular displacement on the frontal and the sagittal planes at 20 different degrees of jaw separation. Information on standard deviation values (i.e., the repetition or variability of movements) and on velocity was also obtained. Statistically significant differences were found between the movements of Group 1 and Group 2, which allowed the authors to assess some of the parameters typical of functional chewing.