The impact of malocclusion and temporomandibular disorders on athletic performance and postural control - a narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.79.76810Keywords
malocclusion, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), postural control, athletic performance, stomatognathic system, postural balanceAbstract
Background: The stomatognathic system, which includes the occlusion and the temporomandibular joints, is closely linked to overall body posture through neurological and biomechanical pathways. Consequently, malocclusions and temporomandibular disorders can cause compensatory muscle tension and affect postural control. This raises the question of whether, in sports where optimal balance and neuromuscular coordination are essential these dysfunctions could potentially impair athletes’ performance. Aim: The purpose of this review is to analyze and summarize the current scientific evidence regarding the impact of malocclusion and temporomandibular joint disorders on body posture control and athletic performance. Material and methods: A narrative review was conducted using 24 scientific publications from the PubMed and the Quality in Sport journal database. Results: Neurophysiological mechanisms, such as the trigeminal-cervical reflex, functionally link the stomatognathic system to cervical muscle tone and body posture. Malocclusions and temporomandibular joint disorders are often associated with increased postural instability and a shift in the center of pressure, especially under challenging sensory conditions. However, in trained athletes, natural static malocclusions do not directly affect maximal aerobic capacity or muscle strength. It has been reported that custom-fitted bite splints and mouthguards, by altering jaw position, can increase maximum isometric strength, explosive strength, and trunk stability by strengthening the neuromuscular system. However, research findings are often inconsistent, and opinions in the literature are divided. Conclusions: Malocclusions and temporomandibular joint disorders affect body posture and balance control, which are based on complex neurophysiological relationships. However, research findings to date remain inconclusive and show a strong dependence on external measurement conditions. Further studies are needed to clarify.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Julia Piecyk, Maja Podziewska, Adrian Piotr Kobus, Maria Magdalena Dzieniakowska, Aleksandra Bernaś, Jakub Adam Maciaszczyk, Maja Warchoł, Robert Durski, Norbert Kobus, Adam Surma
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