Occlusion time analysis in military pilots affected by bruxism

Sci Rep. 2019 Feb 5;9(1):1408. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-38166-2.

Abstract

Military pilots are characterized by peculiar job conditions related to intense accelerative stresses. For this, they frequently report work-related neck and back pain and are affected by bruxism. The aim of this case-control study is to analyze the occlusion time (OT) in a sample of military pilots affected by bruxism, compared with healthy non-pilot subjects. 14 military pilots, all males (mean age 35.14 ± 2.32 y), affected by bruxism, were compared with an age matched control group of 14 male subjects (mean age 32.29 ± 4.84 y). The T-Scan computerized occlusal analysis system (Tek-Scan Inc., Boston, MA, USA) was used to record the subjects' occlusion times during 4 mandibular opening-closing movements. Military pilots affected by bruxism showed a statistically significant lower (reduced of 85%) mean OT, compared with control subjects (p < 0.0001). Military pilots are characterized by a highly reduced occlusion time compared to healthy non-pilot subjects. This feature could not be only related with the presence of bruxism but with their particular clinical job-related condition that causes different dental and stomatognathic system problems. Further studies are encouraged to enhance the scientific knowledge in this field.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bite Force*
  • Bruxism / physiopathology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandible / physiopathology
  • Masticatory Muscles / physiopathology
  • Military Personnel*
  • Occupational Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Pilots*