Statement of problem: On the basis of animal experiments, it has been hypothesized that the dynamics of food reduction are controlled by peripheral receptors. Studies on this subject in human beings are rare.
Purpose: This study investigated the influence of periodontal and joint proprioceptors on mastication in human beings.
Material and methods: Both jaw joints and the chewing-side teeth were consecutively anesthetized in a 6-person panel by chewing wine gum. The effects on the kinematics, chewing force, and electromyographic activity were measured.
Results: The results substantiate a positive feedback of periodontal receptors for chewing force control. A substantial influence of joint receptors on movement control could not be found.
Conclusion: Despite the absence of proprioception in both jaw joints and the periodontal receptors in the chewing side, the characteristics of the measured kinematic and dynamic values remained essentially unchanged.