ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2020 June;179(6):379-85

DOI: 10.23736/S0393-3660.19.04104-4

Copyright © 2019 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Effects of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis on the stomatognathic system: preliminary findings

Gabriel PÁDUA da SILVA ¹, Marcelo PALINKAS ^{1, 2, 3} ✉, Robson F. TOSTA LOPES ¹, Saulo C. VALLIN FABRIN ¹, Bruno FERREIRA ¹, Edson DONIZETTI VERRI ^{1, 4}, Camila ROZA GONÇALVES ^{1, 2}, Oswaldo L. STAMATO TAUBE ¹, Selma SIÉSSERE ^{1, 3}, Simone C. HALLAK REGALO ^{1, 3}

¹ School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; ² Faculty of Anhanguera de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; ³ National Institute of Science and Technology, Translational Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; ⁴ Batatais Claretiano Center University, São Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the function of the stomatognathic system of individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
METHODS: In 17 individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, we analyzed the following: results of surface electromyography (sEMG) under conditions of mandibular rest, right and left laterality, protrusion, and maximum voluntary muscle contraction; habitual and non-habitual chewing; thickness (at rest and under maximum voluntary contraction) of the temporalis and masseter muscles; and maximum molar bite force (right and left). Results were compared with those of a group of 17 individuals without the disease. Student’s t-test was used to perform statistical analysis (α=0.05).
RESULTS: The statistical analysis of data revealed that there was no significant difference between groups in sEMG activity, chewing efficiency, muscle thickness, and molar bite force. Based on these findings, the study hypothesis was rejected.
CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis does not alter the function and morphology of the stomatognathic system.

KEY WORDS: Multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting; Masticatory muscles; Ultrasonography; Bite force