Does Teeth Clenching Affect Dynamic Balance in Young Adults?

This study aimed to investigate the changes in the dynamic balance of individuals during teeth clenching. Thirty-eight healthy individuals aged between 18 and 24 were included. Participants underwent dynamic balance testing twice on the HURsmart balance device, with clenching and without clenching their teeth. Maximum values at endpoints were recorded as test outcomes. There was no significant difference between pre-and post-teeth clenching in all directions (p>0.05). The study findings suggest that clenching teeth does not have an immediate effect on balance in healthy individuals. Assessing balance in cases with temporomandibular joint dysfunction may yield different results in future studies.