The Relationship Between Dental Occlusion/Temporomandibular Joint Status and General Body Health: Part 1. Dental Occlusion and TMJ Status Exert an Influence on General Body Health

Background: There have been varied studies that have suggested a relationship between dental occlusion/temporomandibular joint (TMJ) status and general body health. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the systematic relationships and corresponding action mechanisms between them. Objectives: The purpose of this part of study was to review the relationships between dental occlusion/TMJ status and systemic body health based on the published literature. Methods: This study, based mostly on peer-reviewed specialist articles, has determined that dental occlusion/TMJ status exerts an influence on (1) synchronization of head and jaw muscles with the muscles from other body sites for proper body posture; (2) body stability such as body equilibrium (balance), center of gravity fluctuation, and gaze stability; and (3) physical performance along with physical fitness. Conclusions: Therefore, these relationships should be further investigated and extended to the whole body, and the action mechanisms should be elucidated.