Adriana DUNCA1, Vasile BURLUI1,2, Ioana VATA1*, Alin CIOBICA1,2,3,4, Mihoko TOMIDA5
Abstract. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the tissues supporting the teeth, characterized by progressive destruction of the periodontium, resorption of the alveolar bone and, in advanced stages, tooth loss. In recent years, periodontal disease has been recognized as a condition with important systemic implications, being associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases and pregnancy complications. The inflammatory processes and immune imbalance induced by periodontal disease can contribute to the aggravation of systemic inflammation, affecting the body’s homeostasis. Therefore, the management of periodontal disease requires a complex approach, which includes not only local treatment of the infection, but also interventions on systemic risk factors, in a multidisciplinary context. Incorrect posture, through its influence on the cranio-cervical muscles, respiratory function, oral hygiene and general stress level, can be an indirect but significant factor in the occurrence and progression of periodontal disease. Postural dysfunctions can favor changes in muscle tone and pressure exerted on orofacial structures, thus affecting periodontal balance. Correcting posture and integrating postural exercises into therapeutic interventions can support oral health and help prevent periodontal complications. There is an important relationship between myofascial syndrome and periodontal disease: chronic muscle tension, bruxism and systemic inflammation can worsen the health of the periodontium, while periodontal dysfunctions can induce occlusal imbalances, generating additional muscle overload. In this context, the integrated approach to periodontal management, which includes the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions, can represent a therapeutic strategy. The present study is a comparative study, conducted over a period of six months, which included a number of 60 patients diagnosed with moderately advanced forms of periodontal disease and referred for specialized treatment. All participants underwent a standardized initial assessment, which included oral hygiene analysis, gingival condition assessment, measurement of periodontal probing depths and clinical attachment levels. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, each consisting of 30 people. The first group benefited from conventional periodontal treatment, according to current protocols. The second group, in addition to the classic treatment and training in appropriate oral hygiene techniques, followed a complementary physical therapy program. It included cervical spine posture exercises, temporomandibular joint neuromuscular control exercises (TMJ relaxation), diaphragmatic breathing exercises, masticatory muscle stretching and therapeutic massage techniques. The aim of this multidisciplinary approach was to evaluate the impact of the integration of physical therapy on the clinical course of periodontal disease.
Keywords: periodontitis, myofascial syndrome, stretching, bruxism
DOI 10.56082/annalsarscibio.2025.1.236
1 “Ioan Haulica” Institute, Apollonia University, Pacurari Street 11, 700511 Iasi, Romania
2 Academy of Romanian Scientists, No 54, Independence Street, Sector 5, 050094 Bucharest, Romania
3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Bd. Carol I no. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania.
4 “Olga Necrasov” Institute, Dept. of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Bd. Carol I, no. 8, 700506 Iasi, Romania
5 Medical Vocational School, Nippon Sport Science University, 2-2-7 Yoga, 158-0097 Tokyo, Japan, tomida@nittai-iryo.ac.jp
PUBLISHED in Annals Academy of Romanian Scientists Series on Biological Sciences, Volume 14 no 1, 2025