• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.257-263
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a mouth excercise program on the promotion of oral function of old people. Forty seven old persons who conducted a mouth excercise exercise two times every week for 12 weeks in the experimental group were compared with the control group of 39 old persons using physical examinations. The results were as follows; In virtue of this exercise the salivary flow was increased 0.029 ml in the experimental group more than 0.046 ml in the control group. Maximum mouth opening in the experimental group was 4.12 cm and higher than 3.92 cm in the control. Also Oral diadochokinesis was 1.69 times per second in experimental group and more than 1.65 in the control group. Based on the above results, it is concluded that the mouth excercise had good effects on promoting oral health. Some movements of the mouth excercise exercise need be modified, and then the exercise should be publicized as one of the ways to improve wholistic health of the aged.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.545-551
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• 2005

Purpose: The effect of orthognathic surgery on the temporomandibular dysfunction has been controversial. The purpose of this study is to prove statistically that early removal of fixation plate at postoperative 2 weeks with active exercise of mouth opening could relieve preoperative temporomandibular dysfunction and reposition of temporomandibular joint. Patients and Methods: All 28 subject patients underwent mandibular setback with BSSRO in Kyunghee medical center by one surgeon. The fixation plates used for rigid fixation were removed at postoperative 2 weeks and we had the patients excercise active mouth opening with intermaxillary rubber rings for the guiding proper postoperative occlusion. Temporomandibular symptoms were checked and radiographs were taken before surgery, within a month after surgery, six to twelve months after surgery respectively. Results: The temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms were relieved after the surgery and the condyle was displaced inferior-posteriorly immediate after surgery and repositioned toward its original position during follow-up periods. Conculusion: Orthognathic surgery may benefit temporomandibular joint dysfunction by obtaining a postoperative stable occlusion and more physiologic neuromuscular function. The early removal of fixation plates after BSSRO could reposition the temporomandibular joint to physiologic position and relieve the symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction by permitting movement of proximal segment.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.50-58
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• 2022

Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent and disabling joint disease in the world. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) exercise is a widely used treatment and could be a beneficial and long-term tool for treating TMJ OA. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of therapeutic exercise in the conservative treatment of TMJ OA. Materials and Methods: A single-group experimental pre-post test was performed. We included patients who met the diagnostic criteria for TMJ OA. Outcome variables were pain intensity (visual analogue scale), functionality (Helkimo index), and structural changes (ultrasound). Follow-up periods were at months 1, 3, and 6. The intervention included a home-based program with thermotherapy, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise during the entire follow-up period. Results: We included 15 patients and 26 joints, all women with a median age of 57 years (range, 49-62 years). Median change in pain intensity on joint palpation, mouth opening, and at rest at the first month was 47.5 mm, 51 mm, and 60 mm, respectively, and 48 mm, 49.5 mm, and 42.5 mm, at six months (P=0.001). The Helkimo index showed significant improvement in medians from baseline severe dysfunction (17 points) to minimal dysfunction at three and six months (2 points) (P=0.001). Ultrasound showed improved disc position. Conclusion: This study demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function, and joint disc position and represents a valuable tool for the long-term treatment of patients with TMJ OA.