Neurostomatology: neologism or a paradigm change? A perspective evaluation.

Abstract

The stomatognathic system (SS) has gained higher visibility over the last decades due to emerging primary records evaluating its complex relationships with the central nervous system (CNS). Multiple anatomical and functional functions can be correlated with the SS, including its critical role in craniofacial development, sensory perception, and motor coordination. Despite its central role in neurosensory integration, its relationship with the central nervous system (CNS) remains underexplored in the neurological sciences. The present study aimed to revisit the major (but commonly unexplored) principles of jaw functional orthopedics (JFO) and evidence emerging academic foundation that supports the reframing of the SS within a generalized taxonomy of neural regulation and plasticity. We assessed whether the suggested terminology "neurostomatology" adequately reflects true conceptual scientific advancements or should be considered as a mere neologism. This study used principles of integrative synthesis of the literature, including evidence from multiple fields and medical specialties. Therefore, we collated information related to embryology, neural crest migration, cranial nerve distribution, neurotrophins signaling, bone mechanotransduction, and CNS-SS feedback loops. In addition, we emphasized our analysis and descriptive summarization on experimental and clinical results correlating mastication, neuroplasticity, and hippocampal function. The SS is derived from neural crest cells and is formed by a dense network of afferent and efferent neural pathways and connections, exhibiting a highly developed proprioceptive sensitivity property. The functional stimulation of the SS, especially related to the mastication activation, has been demonstrated to impact hippocampal activity, besides modulating neurotrophins expression and shaping bone architecture through cellular signaling networks. The collated evidence highlights SS as an active modulator of neural development, maintenance, and adaptation. Based on the various publications aforementioned, the authors conclude that the term "neurostomatology" is not solely a neologism, but depicts an existing paradigm shift in comprehending of stomatognathic system physiology. This expanded evaluation of literature and historical features related to the theme reinforces the fundamentals of JFO.