The results of this analysis show that occlusion and visual function could influence posture in air force and civilian pilots.

INTRODUCTION:Due to the physical stresses to which they are subjected, military pilots may experience bruxism, an " oral parafunction. "Parafunction can cause masticatory muscle suff ering and serious dental, periodontal, and temporomandibular joint damage. The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the temperature distribution in masticatory and upper trapezius muscles in a sample of bruxist air force pilots, to evaluate whether an occlusal splint would be able to induce skin temperature variations in the stomatognathic apparatus using the technology of infrared thermography.METHODS: A total of 11 male Italian Air Force pilots of high performance aircraft, ages from 27 to 40 yr (mean 34.91 6 2.15 yr) with 1000 -3000 fl ight hours, were enrolled in the study and analyzed using an infrared camera in order to evaluate the temperature of the masticatory muscles. All the recordings were taken on each subject using the same protocol with and without a temporary occlusal splint. RESULTS:The occlusal splint statistically increased each muscle temperature (0.10 -0.20°C) on both the sides of the body. No statistically signifi cant diff erences were found between the left and right muscles (asymmetries) before or after the wearing of the splint except for the anterior temporalis muscle. No signifi cant improvement or variations in temperature symmetry of this muscle was found after the application of the splint. DISCUSSION:The use of an occlusal splint could help in increasing muscles temperatures in Air Force pilots with consequent relaxation of their facial muscular system.

Military pilots are characterized by peculiar job conditions related to intense accelerative stresses. For this, they frequently report work-related neck and back pain and are affected by bruxism. The aim of this case-control study is to analyze the occlusion time (OT) in a sample of military pilots affected by bruxism, compared with healthy non-pilot subjects. 14 military pilots, all males (mean age 35.14 ± 2.32 y), affected by bruxism, were compared with an age matched control group of 14 male subjects (mean age 32.29 ± 4.84 y). The T-Scan computerized occlusal analysis system (Tek-Scan Inc., Boston, MA, USA) was used to record the subjects’ occlusion times during 4 mandibular opening-closing movements. Military pilots affected by bruxism showed a statistically significant lower (reduced of 85%) mean OT, compared with control subjects (p < 0.0001). Military pilots are characterized by a highly reduced occlusion time compared to healthy non-pilot subjects. This feature could not be only related with the presence of bruxism but with their particular clinical job-related condition that causes different dental and stomatognathic system problems. Further studies are encouraged to enhance the scientific knowledge in this field.

The findings of this study seem to suggest that the composite parameter of the SOT is not sensitive in analyzing the influence of the stomatognathic system on the postural balance of civilian and military pilots.