| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2017 | Volume
: 9
| Issue : 1 | Page : 22-27 |
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Chewing side preference - Impact on facial symmetry, dentition and temporomandibular joint and its correlation with handedness
Shreyasi Tiwari1, Supriya Nambiar1, Bhaskaran Unnikrishnan2
1 Department of Orthodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India
2 Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India
Correspondence Address:
Supriya Nambiar
Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/jofs.jofs_74_16
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Introduction: Habitual unilateral chewing develops subconsciously and serves as an example for lateral preference. This study aims to assess the possible impact of chewing side preference to facial asymmetry, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and oral hygiene and existence of any link between the preferred chewing side (PCS) and handedness. Materials and Methods: A 2-month cross-sectional (observational) study was performed on 76 healthy dentate subjects [24 males (31.6%) and 52 females (68.4%)] with a mean age of 20.8 ± 1.5 years who participated in this study according to the selection criteria. Results: A total of 75 subjects out of 76 (98.6%) were observed to have a PCS. Out of them, 38 chewed on their right and 37 on the left side. Of the 74 right-handed subjects, 48.6% chewed on the right, 50% on the left and 1.4% chewed equally on both the sides. Conclusion: Chewing side preference has a detrimental effect on the TMJ of the corresponding side and is also related to lateral facial asymmetry, which suggests that examination and recording of chewing side preference merit consideration in routine dental examination and treatment planning.
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